Matthew David Brandt

This is so hard for me as I’m writing this but on May, 9, 2024 I lost my Handsome Amazing Adorable Sweet Loving Caring Son {Dontavius C. Snead} bka Tae S. #5 in the line of duty but Ik my bby is looking / shining down on Me and all his love ones but I can write more but as I’m writing this my eyes are filling up with Tears and my heart is Broken but one thing I do know about my Bby is he was the most precious caring person you can ever meet and if you know him then you would know that he would give you his shirt off of his back & I promise my Bby as long as I got breathe in me I’ll keep his NAME, Alive and Cherish His Memories Forever and Forever but I’ve always told my Bby how Proud I was of Him & All of His Achievements /Goals he Accomplish in the 21 years GOD gave me my Bbyboy and he had the Biggest Brightest Smile on His Face and I will never ever forget it either so til next time my Angel I Miss & Love You sooooooo Much 

Daddy was a true leader with a huge heart. From East Coast gentleman to an officer in Pearl Harbor, he was an example of honor, class and love. He cared for those he served to the point where decades later, his colleagues and friends have reached out to my mom, brother and I to let us know how much he and his service meant to them. He was even kind and tried to help the shipmate who ended up killing him. March 27, 2026 marked 50 years without him. My brother and I have no memories of him but are grateful to those, including our mom and Daddy's family who have helped us know the amazing man he was and I believe still is. We feel his loss deeply and strive to honor his memory. #LeadLikeBurr #28yearsand3days

Matthew was a husband, a father, a brother and a son. He served 11-12 years and had planned to retire from the USN. His two passions were motorcycles and his family. He was one of the nicest people, with a giving heart. He is still loved and will never be forgotten! 

To my precious second born son, Charles Stuart Cutshaw, when you took your first breath, it literally took my breath away and when I heard of your untimely death, a part of me died.

You are an integral part of our family and your absence is horrifically noticed.  We each know that we will see you again in Heaven as we all have professed faith in Jesus' saving grace.  Nonetheless, I want to hold you one more time.  I want to dance with you one more time.  I want to sing "I'll Love You Forever" one more time. I want to witness your great sense of humor and creativity one more time.

Those days are behind us, but as King David from the Old Testament said when speaking of his dead son, "He cannot come back to me, but I can go to him."  It is with great anticipation that I look forward to the day that we are united in Heaven with our Jesus and so shall we forever be.

We will memorialize you once again on May 4, the second anniversary of your homegoing and we will celebrate your 26th birthday on June 21st.  I lovingly used to tell you that June 21st was the day the angels danced, and I believe May 4, 2020 was a day that the angels cried over our loss of you.

I'm homesick for Heaven like never before and I want to see my precious Jesus first and after that, I want to see you.  My sweet son, you will forever be my Prince Charles.

With all my love-

Momma

CPL Joshua C. Sticklen died December 3, 2006 when the CH-46 helicopter he was in crashed in Al Anbar province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 2^nd Battalion, 3^rd Marine Regiment, 3^rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay. Hawaii.  Josh was an Intelligence Specialist and served in Afghanistan and had been awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.  He was featured in a 2004 Marine Corps Magazine article in which he explained his role in creating terrain models, which give planners and commanders a realistic view of geographic areas.  

Josh, the much loved son of Maggie Sticklen of Virginia Beach, and Larry and Rebecca Sticklen of Virginia Beach, was born in Rota, Spain but grew up in Virginia Beach and was very close with his two sisters, April Swain and husband Tony of Palmyra, VA., and Tricia Koss and husband Chris of Virginia Beach, Josh was the proud and loving Uncle of four nieces that he called his “munchkins”, Kendra & Adryanna of Virginia Beach, and Breanna & Mackenzie of Palmyra, VA.   He graduated from Salem High School in 2000, where he was a leader in the Navy’s JROTC program in preparation for his life dream of becoming a Marine!   Josh attended two years at Tidewater Community College, then fulfilled his childhood dream and joined the Marine Corps in October of 2002.

IF LOVE COULD HAVE SAVED HIM, HE WOULD HAVE LIVED FOREVER!

Colin Thomas was one of the strongest most dedicated people we knew. Whatever he did he put 100% into it. He was a loving husband and a fantastic father. There isn’t a day that goes by that we aren’t reminded about how much light and joy he brought into our lives. He is gone but he will never be forgotten. 

My father is Elmer C. Holt, he enlisted in the Navy, 10 March 1938 was an Aviation Machinist Mate attached to Patrol Squadron 101, U.S. Navy, Cavite, Philippine Islands 27 May 1939. He was captured by the Japanese, survived of the Bataan Death March including a Hell Ship and forced labor in Japan. and returned to the United States, 18 September 1945.   He remained in the Navy after a long convalescence.  He was eventually assigned to the Essex Class Carrier USS Leyte.  On 15 October, at 1515 there was an explosion in the port catapult machinery room killing 32 and injuring scores more. My Father succumbed to his burns and injuries and died 16 October 1953. He left behind his wife with child and two other sons. She gave birth to their third son the following Memorial Day.

Jake had a wonderful sense of humor and loved making people laugh. He is missed by so many. 

He was truly a sweet child. Very, very laidback and easy going.  The same as an adult too. He loved weight lifting, nutrition and playing his XBox !

Also known for looking a lot like Thor.... to the point that his CO in Japan bought him a Avengers Thor Hammer toy!!  

After visiting Pearl Harbor, Nicholas decided joining Navy was exactly what he wanted to do. He completed boot camp, A school in Pensacola (our hometown) and was assigned to Sasebo, Japan. He loved everything about Japan but especially his fellow sailors and leaders. He was an amazing young man with a huge heart, wise far beyond his years. He excelled in everything he attempted, and we know he would have gone very far in his career. Nick passed away in 2022 after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. Nick's ashes were laid to rest in Destin Harbor, Florida just as he asked. Fair Winds and Following seas my son. You are so missed.

Scott Michael Dunn my brother and he was born December 26^th 1987. He loved to play in the creek, catch frogs, birds, craw fish and anything else that could be caught. With the outdoors activities Scott also loved tearing down and rebuilding electronics, Science and Gaming. We moved a lot as kids but one thing that never failed was our sibling love. We eventually had a few more additions into the family. Two more brothers (Sean and Robert) and a sister (Amanda). He was our genius. The brains Scott had he used to the upmost. Mom was so proud of him.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of our son, Joshua Isaiah Ruiz, an E3 in the United States Navy a young man who lived with courage, purpose, and a heart full of love. Joshua wore his uniform with pride, answering a call greater than himself and showing us what true strength, dedication, and selflessness look like each and every day. But beyond the uniform, he is our son—our heart, our pride, and one of our greatest joys. Joshua had a warmth about him that could light up any room. He was kind, strong, and compassionate, always making others feel seen, valued, and deeply cared for. Though his time with us was far too short, the love he gave and the lives he touched will stay with us forever. To know him was truly a gift. Joshua, we carry you with us always in our hearts, in our memories, and in everything we do. We love you; we honor you, always.

Born in Rochester, NY, Jason was an Eagle Scout and gifted athlete in rowing and swimming. Jason placed in the top ten in the 2003 C.R.A.S.H.-B Sprints World Indoor Rowing Championships and was founding captain of the McQuaid Jesuit Crew Team. After graduating Jason attended the US Naval Academy and fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a Naval Aviator. He flew his first operational tour with the Chargers of HSC-26 and provided direct support to the fleet while fly-ing rescue missions in response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake and mis-sions out of Bahrain. In December 2013 he was chosen to serve as the Operations Cell Leader and Air Operations Office in CTF-64 embarked aboard the Motor Vessel Cape Ray as part of an international task force with the mission to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons agents. Upon completion of this eight month mission, Jason returned to the Africa Engage-ment Directorate in Naples, Italy, where he became an invaluable member of the Africa Partnership team. As a superb ambassador of the Navy and the United States, Jason maintained a professional rapport with African navy leaders that will allow for positive relations for years to come. For this work, Jason was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal posthu-mously. Jason was ambitious, pursuing a Masters Degree in Information Management through Syracuse University and working towards Joint Professional Military Education certification through the Naval War College. He enjoyed traveling, skiing, and playing rugby. Jason was a devoted father and took every opportunity to visit son, William in the United States. Jason was buried in Arlington National Cemetery February 18, 2016. He is survived by son William, parents Paul and Cheryl Kreutter, sister Jennifer Kreutter Conrad, and brother LCDR Adam Kreutter.

Devin loved his family fiercely, especially his infant son, Wyatt. Devin was loyal, kind, funny and smart.  He was an extremely hard worker and highly motivated to do his best each day. Devin had this magical chaos that surrounded him, so that everything he did seemed to become an unforgettable adventure that stories would be told about.  Devin touched so many lives, and each one is better for knowing him. He continues to be an inspiration to others. The world is not as bright without him. 

Sean Edward Brazas was a person you could meet only once and never forget. He had a radiating smile and a zest for life that was inspiring. And he was a total goofball in the best way. Try having a bad day around him; it wouldn’t last long. Sean joined the Navy to serve his country and protect his friends and family. He trained hard as a Military Working Dog Handler. He earned the “Top Dawg” honor at an Advanced Skills K9 Course in Yuma. Instructors said Sean was surprised when he earned the award, but no one else was. They said Sean and Sicario trained relentlessly, mastering every challenge, ensuring they were squared away for deployment. Even on his final mission, I can guarantee Sean woke up with a smile, eager to support his team in any way he could. That’s who he was. An American hero.

Jason loved serving his country.  His 3 best qualities were his faith in God, love for his family and service to his country. He served 94-98 Active Duty, 04-16 in the reserves with deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. He re-enlisted active duty in 16, and served until he passed away from cardiac arrest. He was a graduate of Liberty University.  

Philip joined the Navy a year after graduating high school. He took his oath during a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game and was part of the 47th Cardinal Division at RTC Great Lakes. After all his schooling at NAS Pensacola, Philip was stationed in Norfolk serving aboard the USS Bulkeley, where he was initiated into the, "Ancient Order of the Shellbacks" and earned his Suez Safari card.  

Philip was transferred to CVN-77, USS George HW Bush. Both ships offered Philip the opportunity to support the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq along with humanitarian aid to several ports of call along the way.  

Philip transferred to the United Kingdom where he enjoyed historical sites and spending time outdoors with his Dalmatian Bernie. Returning to Norfolk and CVN-78, USS Gerald R Ford where he became a plank owner. Philip’s final duty station was an instructor for the Information Warfare Command at Goodfellow AF Base. Philip spent 15 yrs. 10 months in the Navy. 

Philip loved to laugh and was very good at playing practical jokes on family and friends. He loved his dogs, visiting National Parks, Historical sites, fishing, hunting, hiking, and cycling. Philip also enjoyed time watching movies, playing video games and having a good cigar. 

He never hated anyone and his philosophy was to never argue with an idiot because those watching might not be able to tell the difference. 

He was a loving son, brother and uncle. His nieces will always remember how much he made them laugh. 

A native of California, Brandon A. Ward began his Naval Service on April 26, 2007. After completion of Basic Training Brandon attended Hospital Corpsman “A” school.

After graduation In November 2007, Brandon transferred to Naval Hospital, Bremerton, Washington. While there he advanced to Petty Officer 3^rd Class.

In March 2010, Brandon reported to Camp Pendleton, California.  While stationed there he achieved the Navy Enlisted Classification of “Fleet Marine Force Corpsman.”

During his tour at Pendleton, Brandon “DOC” successfully completed the necessary rigorous requirements to earn his “Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist” designation, as well as advancing to 2^nd Class Petty Officer.

Brandon died December 22, 2017 in Jacksonville, North Carolina while he was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 2^nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Brandon was posthumously promoted to the rank of Petty Officer 1^st Class, as of December 24, 2017.

Chris entered the Navy on August 13, 2009. Prior to that he was a Navy Midshipman at Iowa State University (ISU) where he attended on a NROTC Scholarship. At ISU he studied engineering and exercise science.  At the end of his junior year, he relinquished his Scholarship and enlisted in the Navy. Eventually he received orders to the USS THACH where he served as an Operations Specialist, and member of the VBSS team (visit, board, search, and seizure) which specializes in counter drug operations and anti-piracy missions. Chris loved the US Navy, and all the people he was fortunate to work with in the Navy. On January 7, 2013 Chris passed away in an accident in San Diego, CA. Of Chris it was said he was “a common man with an uncommon desire to succeed”. Chris helped anyone in need, and was dedicated to his friends, family and his country.

Darren always knew he wanted to serve his county, especially in the Navy. To follow the path as his grandfather & Stepdad. The true dream was to always fly jets, but honestly, he just wanted to serve to help people, to make a difference. He would always say, "but Mom, everyone loves a guy in uniform". Such a goofball, always looking to make you smile. Darren enlisted in the 2019 as an IT Specialist, served on the USS Carl Vinson with a Pacific deployment in 2021.
We love you son, we miss you more & more each day, as your memory continues to make a difference. From friends here at home, family & shipmates, we will continue to feel your presence in everything we do.
"See you in a minute", Love Mom.

Max was smart, kind, adventurous, and so loving and devoted to his family. He was the best son a mom could ever ask for: My Love & My Light. He played goalie in ice hockey and was team captain. He was a drummer and musician, a painter and sculptor. Max loved working with his hands. He earned a BFA and then worked in the movie industry in L.A., creating 3-D monsters and creatures for sci-fi movies. He certainly found his niche in the Navy—working with materials (and his hands here too!)— as an airplane mechanic. Max was usually the first one to go into his squadron to set up tools and equipment for the rest of his group. Because of his supreme commitment and dedication to his work, Max was nominated for Sailor of the Year, after just a year-and-a-half in the Navy. HIs light is truly missed but shines on. 

In loving memory of a life so beautifully lived. William was a kind and loving young man who cared deeply and loved life with all his heart. He loved his family and would do anything for them especially for his mother. We love you so much, William. My love for you goes beyond words, and my heart is broken into pieces. Love always, Mom.