David Eberhart Jr.

Xavier was a fun, loving young man. He loved spending time with his family and always made us laugh with his silliness. Gone too soon, forever 19.

Was the kindest loving person we knew. He worked so hard to help others, always wanting to save someone, and was always there for anyone. Ahmad was a persistent person. He played all kinds of sports growing up, football, soccer, baseball, basketball, boxing, some he liked some he didn't.  He also enjoyed club scouts Pack 2 in Prospect Park. 

He literally lit up a room, loved making people feel comfortable, and love making people laugh.  His smile was so addicting and his desire to help others was amazing. 

Attended Public School Prospect Park School # 1 in Prospect Park, NJ 

Graduated High School from Passaic County Technical Institute in June 2018 Computer Science 

Ever since we could remember Ahmad wanted to join the military. Once he was 17 he had his parents sign him up for the Navy.  

He will forever be loved and forever be missed 

Demir Akozer enlisted into the Navy in February 2012, and proudly served through his untimely departure in June 2022, where he was a shipmate on the USS New Hampshire Submarine out of Norfolk VA. Demir was the kind of person that never met a stranger. If you met Demir, then you know how genuine and kind his heart and soul was. Most of all, he was so fun-loving, taking pleasure in helping others, whether it was mowing your lawn, helping you work on your car or truck, or just spending time with you and putting a smile on your face, as he so naturally could do. Demir’s amazing and quick-witted sense of humor was unlike any other, and every door he walked through, he brought new life into that place. He was the entertainer in our family. He valued his family and friends, and he enjoyed driving his lifted truck with his dog, Dexter, as his shotgun rider. Demir’s absence has left such an emptiness that can never be filled, and his memory will live on as we carry him in our hearts. We all love you and miss you Demir!

Barton Russell Humlhanz was born on February 26, 1981 in Doylestown, PA. He was my first child and only son. Bart, or BR as he was nicknamed by his family, evolved into a handsome young man nicknamed Hanz by his fellow Marines. At age 5 ½, almost to the day, Bart became a big brother when his sister Nicole was born August 22^nd. As a child, Bart played tee-ball and baseball and was in cub scouts and boy scouts for a few years. Bart enjoyed art classes in school and liked to draw and make pottery. Bart also loved music like his mom, he played drums in school and at church as “The Little Drummer Boy” for many years at Christmas, and taught himself how to play guitar. Bart received his first meritorious promotion to Private First-Class May 2002 and received Marine of the Quarter at Camp Lejeune in the fall of 2002. Bart received his second meritorious promotion to Corporal in June 2004. Bart told everyone that joining the United States Marine Corps was the best thing he had ever done, he worked hard at what he loved and was very proud of his accomplishments, as were all of us.  

Bart was killed in Babil Province, Iraq on 26 AUG 2004 during his second deployment as the result of an IED while conducting security operations. Bart’s personal awards, medals, ribbons include the Purple Heart, Navy Marine Corps Achievement, Combat Action, Good Conduct, National Defense, Iraq Campaign, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Global War on Terrorism Service, Sea Service Deployment, Expert Rifle and Marksman Pistol. Bart was so disappointed with himself before deploying the second time, since he held Expert Pistol throughout his previous 2 years serving in the Marine Corps. During his first deployment Bart was assigned designated marksman for his unit and was requested by name for several special ops’ missions. Bart is always remembered, along with all our fallen heroes. We always speak his name, so he is never forgotten…Corporal Barton Russell Humlhanz, 2D MP BN, USMC.

PO2 Dmitry Chepusov was born on 2/28/1982 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2005. After completing basic training, he held numerous positions during his military career, including photojournalist, staff writer, and broadcast journalist. MC2 Chepusov was deployed aboard the USS John Stennis from 2009 to 2012 and participated in Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom. He completed the Video Production & Documentation courses at DINFOS, as well as the Surface Warfare Specialist (SW) & Aviation Warfare Specialist (AW) programs. Dmitry was awarded: Army Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Medal, Navy Rifle Marksmanship Medal, and Navy Pistol Marksmanship Medal (Sharpshooter). Dmitry was tragically murdered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, 12/14/2013. He was 31 years old.

Grayson Danner was an outstanding member of his US Navy dive locker, well respected and regarded by his fellow divers.  He received several awards over the course of his service.  Grayson will be forever loved and remembered by his family and his numerous friends. 

Jared served in the United States Navy for 19 years. His diligence and dedication to working on P 3's and P 8's kept him stationed in Jacksonville Florida for 17 out of the 19 years he served. Within his time in the Navy, he formed countless bonds with other enlistees. He took several lower ranked servicemen and women under his wings. He made sure they had the tools that they needed to succeed within their military career and their civilian lives, because that's who he was. His heart was bigger than just himself. He loved cooking, camping, concerts, fishing and family beach days. With a contagious laugh and a bright spirit he surely was loved by many. As Memorial Day approaches, our family keeps every loved one that has lost a fallen Soldier in our hearts and prayers. 

PO1 James Robert Sperry II, 34 passed away unexpectedly. We are completely unprepared for this unexpected loss and miss him greatly. Robert’s sudden death was a shock to everyone who knew him. He was healthy, happy, and had his whole life ahead of him. His death is a reminder that life is precious and can be taken from us at any time. We should all cherish the moments we have with our loved ones, and never take them for granted. Robert was predeceased by his father, James Robert Sperry. He is survived by his two daughters, whom he loved so much, Kylee and Melanie Sperry. His Mother Rosemarie T. Bradley and stepfather Steven J. Bradley. His siblings are Suzzanne (Jon) Tomlin, Samantha (Saul) Rosas, John Sperry, Jeffrey Sperry, Joseph Sperry, and Sabrina Sperry. His half-sister, Katherine, and stepmother, Joyce Sperry. Grandparents, numerous nephews, and nieces. Countless friends and other family members. When a mother loses her son, she loses a piece of her heart forever. He left us beautiful memories, and his love is still our guide, although we cannot see him, he is always at our side.

DeRon grew up in New York and where he made the decision to join the United States Navy. During his time in the Navy, he began his career as a MM on the U.S.S. Memphis, the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk, which he helped decommission, and stationed at the USMC Iwakuni. Later he would change specialty and become a LS at NASJRB New Orleans, which would be his last duty station.

DeRon was seen as a mentor and leader during his time with in the Navy. He would instantly be the first person to greet any new sailor and their family by offering to show them around town or having the family over for dinner. He was also ready at any moment’s notice to help those in need. DeRon became a member of Ephesus Seven Day Adventist Church in New Orleans, LA, where he also became co-advisor for the youth program. DeRon wanted to ensure the children had an outlet and had male figures present in their lives. LS2 DeRon Ross is greatly missed but continues to live on through his children.

Chief Rudy Rocha was taken by cancer… He left 2 young little girls; 11 year old, Sofia and 7 year old, Olivia with Down syndrome. He was very devoted to his job. He was a few years away from retirement. 

My father was a proud Navy man from Lakeland, Fl. He loved the water, the beach was his happy place. Even though he passed away when I was three, his presence shaped who I am. My father is the reason I am confident, driven and kind. Friends who knew him never had a bad word to say; he carried himself with integrity, warmth, and steady leadership. An exceptional athlete  in his own right, he passed a love of sports to me, and his example pushed me to work hard and compete with heart. Growing up with my grandparents, who  set strong moral values and work ethics and led by example, provided me a foundation of discipline and compassion. I would give anything for one more chance to hear his voice and feel his guidance. His legacy lives in my actions, achievements, and compassion for others. I honor him every day of my life.

Kyle is the beloved son of Jim and Tisha Steele. From a young age, Kyle radiated warmth and compassion. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel seen and valued. His hugs were legendary and his love for his family was the heartbeat of his family. At 17½, Kyle enlisted in the United States Navy, stepping into service immediately after graduating high school. He became a highly accomplished Cyber Warfare Technician, earning respect and admiration for his skill, discipline, and unwavering commitment. Kyle’s impact was profound and far-reaching. He was an extraordinary example of what it means to be a devoted family member, a loyal friend, and a selfless servant to his country. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Brandon served faithfully, he was a beloved sailor by many. He is always and forever in our hearts.

Love, Mom and Dad

Karl was raised in the Denver Colorado area, as the fourth in a family of twelve children. Karl was always the “fun kid” that everyone could depend on to keep things in perspective. Not being very tall, Karl walked on his toes from babyhood through his entire life. Always wanting to be “bigger”, he didn’t realize that the size of his heart was what really mattered. Karl loved to help people, even to the very end, as an organ donor that saved four lives with his priceless gifts.

From a young age, Karl dreamed of following in the footsteps of his Grandfather and namesake; and in October 2006 he realized that dream when he entered the United States Navy. Karl became a Hull Technician serving in Norfolk, VA, Guam (twice), Hawaii, upstate New York and a deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was an exemplary sailor with many achievements.

Karl was a lover of life and adventure, often referring to himself as “Krazy Karl”, his passions included spending time with his family, scuba diving, wood working, welding, photography, anything mechanical, home improvements and his beloved Denver Broncos. Nothing was more important to Karl than his big family and his Navy service, until he married his wife, Riza, in December 2014 and the following year, they welcomed their daughter, Izabella. Being a husband and daddy were two of the most important things in Karl’s life. His “girls” meant everything to him, and he loved them with all his heart. 

Jesus Cortez was an excellent person.  He excelled in his studies and in athletics. Jesus was nationally rated number 2 in power-lifting. He also was very active in Cross Country and Powerlifting during High School. He graduated from Valley View High School in 2013. Jesus competed professionally in power lifting and WON on his first competition. He loved TEXAS and was proud to serve his country with the United States Navy having enlisted since August 2014. Jesus loved his Camaro and his Harley Davison Motorcycle.  He was proud of his dogs- Kitty and Biggie, and he loved Sponge Bob Square Pants. Jesus truly lived his life to its fullest. He will forever be remembered by his family and those that came to know him.  His motto was, “You be the better person.”  Jesus was an outstanding person and he will forever be remembered.
 

KIA Operation Iraqi Freedom

Always loved, always remembered and forever missed.  

In tribute to ETVC John L. Davey who served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy for 12 years as a submarine sailor aboard the USS Alabama, with Detachment Poseidon and Naval Research Laboratories. As a military kid, John knew his goal was to follow in the footsteps of his father, grandfathers and many uncles who had served in the military, and he worked hard to achieve that goal. So, when he put on anchors as a Navy Chief in 2021, it was one of the proudest moments for all but especially John. The impact and valor of John’s service to this nation will never be known to any but a small few of his fellow serving shipmates and those who knew him best. We have had many tales of him via those shipmates and friends, mostly that he loved the navy, loved what he did, and at times he could be a tough leader but there was no one who could make everyone smile, laugh, and come together as a team quite like “Davey”. We cherish every memory given to us and hold them tightly in our hearts. He was the most awesome, most witty, and most wonderful loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to all of us.

Jason was born in Snohomish, WA; a place he loved; and cherished the memories of friends and the sports he played with great passion. He joined the Navy shortly after graduating from Snohomish High School and had a tremendous career until he died in 2016. Jason was a Navy Mustang; enlisted for the first 10 years of his career, serving on the Alabama Blue and Gold crews as well as different shore duty assignments, before commissioning in 2000.  He spent the remainder of his career on surface ships. In his personal life, Jason was extremely loyal, honorable and disciplined in every decision he made; always striving to better his and his family's lives.  He also took great pride in supporting others in reaching their personal and professional goals. Jason's family was honored to hear wonderful stories of how he impacted many lives after he died.  Jason put his values of family and duty above all else. Jason's children, Tyler, Michael and Alyssa were always his priority in everything he did. He was an outdoorsy guy who was most comfortable in jeans and a flannel in his off time.  Jason loved playing basketball, weightlifting and challenging his physical body in every way possible.   He is missed every minute of every day by his wife Jenny and his children.  He is also remembered by his mom Debbie, siblings Angie, Cory, Candace and his niece, Cama.