“Forever Loved, Never Forgotten”

The Navy Gold Star Program is eternally grateful for the sacrifice of those Service Members who have died in service to our country. To help us to never forget, we have set up this tribute page to honor and remember the memory of those lives. If you would like to honor the memory of your Sailor, Soldier, Marine, Airman or Coast Guardsman through the Navy Gold Star website please submit your thoughts and a photo.

Ethan Garrett Goolsby, 20, entered into eternal rest while serving at sea with the United States Navy aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, and resided here until his departure to the Navy on November 18th of 2019.Ethan grew up as a strikingly beautiful green-eyed boy beaming with laughter and charm, kicking the soccer ball in the goal, shooting the basketball in the hoop, and debating about politics and worldly issues with his parents at home. He showed unconditional positive regard for strangers, gave undivided attention to children, played guitar like a great rock star, and loved cuddling with his dog “Snickers”, cheering for the San Antonio Spurs at games, and practicing Taekwondo for mental and physical discipline. Ethan had the heart of a traveler and an eagerness to see the world. He traveled with a camera around his neck and never tired of documenting his adventures in photos. When Ethan’s persona began to take shape he became passionate about serving his community. His first love of service was found as a Cub Scout. He interned with The City of San Antonio after his Sophomore year, and devoted time to volunteering with The San Antonio Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, amongst other non-profits in the community. He made frequent visits with generous donations to the San Antonio Humane Society. He had a love of animals and often said his dream job would be running an animal rescue for Huskies, his favorite breed of dog. Ethan had a precocious moral vision, utter authenticity of emotion, and a beauty of expression. A constant throughout his life was a giant smile that lit up his entire face and that of others. He had a genuine desire to make everyone he encountered feel good about themselves. He couldn’t stand to see sadness in people and did all he could to help prevent that, especially for the less fortunate. Ethan was not just willing to give someone the last dollar in his pocket if they were in need, he often did just that. If he did encounter someone who needed cheering up, Ethan loved nothing more than making people laugh. He was always ready with a joke, a funny face, or a silly dance to make those around him laugh with him. Ethan joined the United States Navy on November 18th, 2019. He completed his training on January 17th, 2020 at the Navy Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, and his A-School at Naval Station Pensacola that April. He went on to San Diego, California in June to join the crew of the USS Roosevelt as an Aviation Ordnanceman. Ethan was incredibly proud of his service to our country and was eager to continue his adventures as part of the U.S. Navy. He was looking forward to seeing as much of the world as possible while fulfilling his desire to serve. Ethan left friends wherever he went and made the world a better place in his