Riley Gallinger-Long

Joel was born in Georgia. He loved the Navy and serving his country. He was married for 25 years and has two beautiful daughters.

(lovingly submitted by his wife, Lisa McCoy)

Jayton Daniel Patterson of Sedley, Va. was born on August 9, 1978. He was the firstborn son of Frank and Sharon Patterson. Jayton shared a loving relationship with his sister Mattie and brother Hunter. He engaged in all sports during his childhood and teen years - hunting, fishing, baseball, football and basketball.  He was an active member of Millfield Baptist Church and was known as a soldier of God.

 After graduating high school from Tidewater Academy, he attended college prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1999 and re-enlisted in 2003. Jayton trained in Parris Island, and then went on to serve his first 4 years as part of the White House Security Detail in Washington, D. C.  Stationed at 8^th and I Marine Barracks, he marched proudly in the Evening Parades. He was an elite Marine who had toured the Pentagon and the World Trade Center with President Bush after the September 11^th attacks. He found the love of his life, married Stephanie Bays of Wakefield on February 15, 2003 and they were blessed on October 15 with a beautiful daughter, Claire.

Jayton was transferred to Camp Lejeune in August 2003.  He deployed with the 1^st Battalion, 2^nd Marines, Bravo Company, Weapons Platoon, 24^th Marine Expeditionary Unit in July 2004 to Iraq.  Jayton was killed by an IED explosion in the Anbar Province of Iraq on January 15, 2005. He died a hero, serving his country and protecting our freedom. Semper Fi.

To our sweet handsome man, Juan Michael Soriano, from the day you were born , we were so in love with you, with your chubby cheeks, head full of hair and those adorable dimples, how could we be so lucky to get such a blessing from God. We watched you grow from a baby to a bright intelligent man. You were always an inspiration and such a sweet soul. We admired your motivation and determination to always be the best, whether it be playing soccer, or just being the loving father, son , and brother, you made all our hearts melt. Your smile was so contagious, and your eyes were a ray of light, now when we look into the sky, we see your ambience and strength to keep us moving. Juannie you are hero! We will always keep your legacy alive , and thank you for all of your accomplishments, and serving our country. This is not goodbye; this is till we see you again. We love you!

Chris was very excited to join the Navy, Chris was so proud to graduate from Great Lakes and so proud to wear the uniform. Chris had his first deployment to Okinawa and was very excited to go. after he tour of duty he was sent to Port Hueneme in California and was also very excited to back in the states. A tragic accident occurred while at Port Hueneme and Chris was succumbed from the injuries. Chris was a proud seaman and a fun loving kid with many friends and family. Missed every day.

Our hearts will always miss you!

We honor him always and especially this month as a Gold Star Casualty. He was a World War II Era casualty on August 9, 1942 on the USS Quincy (CA-39). He was a Chief Petty Officer Electrician's Mate. MIA Status and his last recorded location was Waters off Savo Island, Solomon Islands, South Pacific

COMMENDATIONS

Purple Heart

Combat Action Ribbon

World War II Victory Medal

American Campaign Medal

Navy Presidential Unit Citation

Navy Good Conduct Medal

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

Navy Expeditionary Medal

He leaves a long legacy behind, his only daughter, Patricia is 88, 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.  

Natalie had a light you couldn’t ignore—warm, genuine, unforgettable. She made people feel seen and valued, even in fleeting moments. Her smile radiated kindness, her presence, comfort, and her strength was unmistakable. Yellow, her favorite color, fit her perfectly: bright, joyful, full of warmth. She brought sunshine to everyone around her, leaving more than memories—she leaves a legacy. She was deeply loved by her mother, Roxanne and stepfather Louis, her sisters Lillian and Naturale, her grandparents Rich and Doreen, and her uncle Richard and aunts Faith, Tanya, and Sonya, whose bond with her was unbreakable and filled with love. The laughter, love, and effortless gestures she shared will remain with us. Natalie will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her spirit endures in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Richard joined the Navy 7 DEC 2008 and served as Master at Arms in Georgia, Japan, Cuba and Virginia over his 10 year career with the Navy. He quickly rose through the ranks and was a mentor and leader to many he served with. He enjoyed cars, Star Wars and Pokémon and never stopped when he set is eyes on achieving a goal.

Survived By:

Parents: Deborah and Stephen Holman

Brothers Raymond and Russell Holman.

Because of the circumstances at Bruce’s death, the King of Syria said he needed to make peace with Israel and the doctor attending his wounds said “Mr. and Mrs. Winters, Here brother hates brother.  Brother will kill brother.  That is why we have so many laws.  But in all of Arabia, we have NEVER seen such love as surrounds your son.” (His men had jumped ship to be with him.)

His father was Stationed in England where Bruce was born.   Bruce graduated high School at age 7.  At 12 & 13 he and his brother were the youngest Sailboat Captains at the military recreation facility at Lake Chemsee, Germany as well as Sail plane pilots. He was a NAVCAD in the Navy, flying a CH36. He also did everything Tom Cruise did in “Top Gun”.

Chief Ryan A. DeKorte was a native of Portland, Oregon. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November 2014 and checked aboard USS JASON DUNHAM in November 2015 where he served as Electronics Technician and a Search and Rescue Swimmer. On 8 July 2018, he received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his extraordinary quick and decisive actions under pressure in the rapid recovery, treatment, and medical evacuation of an injured shipmate. Seeking greater challenges, Chief DeKorte was selected to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, a Chief of Naval Operations Priority ONE major command. After reporting on board on  July 1, 2020, he quickly distinguished himself as an exceptionally gifted problem solver. He dedicated himself to developing and advancing several key command initiatives towards our Nation's greatest threats. Chief DeKorte's knowledge and efforts have had a direct and lasting impact on the operational success of the greater NSW community.

Kevin was a Gentle Giant. He earned the nickname Care Bear from his youth minister. Kevin could be the life of the party, but he knew when to step up and do his job. Kevin could be your best friend, but he could also be your worse enemy – he did not like when others were being picked on for anything out of their control.

AWS1 James Philip Buriak, USN died 31 August 2021 in a Naval helicopter crash LOOSEFOOT 616  off the coast of San Diego. Where he served as a naval aircrewman rescue swimmer (AWS) with HSC-8.

Jimmy was born, 09 May 1990 in Salem, VA. He graduated from Salem High School, Roanoke College in 2012 and joined the Navy in 2017. He spent time training in San Diego and Pensacola before being assigned to HSC-8 in Coronado, CA. He deployed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt for two back-to-back tours and multiple detachments before departing for his final flight on the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Jimmy was an uncommon man. He held qualities that could not be given but rather earned. He was an exemplary dad who loved his son Caulder, not only a husband but a soul mate to his wife, a beloved son and brother. Jimmy was an avid crossfitter who would put your endurance and strength to task. He prided himself on physical fitness and being able to not only protect his family, but others if needed. The best example of his courage, heroism, and ability to live up to the motto “So Others May Live '' is when he got his first save at Gun Beach, Guam 08 February 2020 while off duty and earned the Navy Commendation Medal. Jimmy loved his family and lived everyday like it was his last. He held his friends and family close and built memories that will last a lifetime.

M. Myles James, born September 8, 1998, and called home on June 23, 2021. Myles attended the United States Naval Academy, where he excelled as an English major and proudly played football. He was a dedicated member of the 19th Company and held the rank of Midshipman First Class. Myles’ passing has left a profound void in our hearts, but his legacy of strength, discipline, and love lives on. He will always be remembered as an exceptional son, brother, grandson, and nephew. Deeply loved and forever missed, Myles remains a light in our lives.

Aviation Technician, R -Jay wanted to be a navy seal. R-Jay played just about every sport. R-Jay was always fun to be around he made you smile even if you were having a bad day. He hated bullies, he always treated everyone the same.

Survived By: His Parents: Eduardo and Kelly Domondon, a sister Alexsandra Domondon a nephew Ayden Domondon a niece Jinora

Stone Fox was born in Baton Rouge LA, raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. After graduating high school, he left for basic training with a clear goal: to become a Navy Rescue Swimmer. In February 2025, he achieved that dream when he graduated from Search and Rescue (S.A.R.) training. He continued his journey in Jacksonville, Florida, training with HSM-40 Airwolves. Though his time there was cut short in October 2025, Stone’s impact on the people around him was anything but brief. Stone cared deeply for everyone he met. He never met a stranger, and if you knew him, you had a friend for life. His warmth, loyalty, and fierce dedication to others defined him as much as his service did. He is remembered with endless love by his parents, Kristy and Greg, and by his younger brother, Slade. “So Others May Live.”

Jared "Bo" Valdez
The son everybody wanted. He was funny, dedicated to his family. Loved the world around him. Loved life, loved to share all he had, served his fellowman and served his counrty.

In loving memory of Joseph, whose heart was as vast as the sky. He found peace in the simple things—watching sunsets, spending time outdoors, and laughing with friends. His presence was a gift, always bringing joy and warmth to those around him. Though he’s no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every sunset, every Wawa hoagie, every Eagles game and in the memories we hold dear. He will always be remembered, and his light will continue to shine in our hearts. Fair Winds and Following Seas. Go Birds-Veronica brown-sister.

Kris was born in Georgetown, Guyana and was the oldest of three children. Known to family and friends as Romeo, he graduated from Thomas Stone High School in 1995, and enlisted in the Navy on September 1, 1995. In May 2001 he was stationed at the Pentagon at the CNO Telecommunications Center where he quickly qualified in three watch stations and was well on his way to success. On September 11, 2001, IT2 Bishundat had reported for work as ordered, excited about the fact that OPNAV TCC’s Voice Communication Office had just been relocated in the newly renovated wing of the Pentagon. His zeal for education, zest for life, and love of his family and friends will forever grace the many lives that he had touched. As a testimony of his selflessness and dedication to honor, courage and commitment, the USS Shreveport has established the Information Technician Second Class (Surface Warfare) Kris Bishundat Learning Media Resource Center, housing nine computer terminals, educational materials, and a small literacy collection for over 700 Sailors and Marines onboard the ship. He is missed dearly by his father, Bhola; mother, Basmattie; and sister, Danita and Devita.  

Ben was inspired by his older brothers and thrived in the love of his family. An exceptional athlete, Benjamin excelled in wrestling, track, and cross country. He was more than just an athlete; he was a compassionate friend and an animal lover, especially fond of cats. His lighthearted nature shone through in the memes he shared, often featuring his favorite furry friends. Music was another passion of his, with Benjamin frequently sharing songs that resonated with him, creating lasting memories with his family and friends. As a Petty Officer 3rd Class in the United States Navy, Benjamin exemplified dedication and leadership. His commitment to service was recognized when he was honored as the Junior Sailor of the 3rd Quarter aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. Ben had a deep desire to help others.