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Sealth Shepherd

Branch: United States Navy
Date of Birth: 12 May 1997
Deceased: 25 Dec 2019
BMSN Sealth N. Shepherd was a sailor on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). Sealth loved to fish and hunt in his home state of Alaska. On 12/25/2019 Sealth went to play hockey with the Greats in heaven. He is loved by friends, family, and the US Navy. Daddy loves and misses you everyday.-Allen Shepherd, Gold Star Father

Navy Gold Star Tributes


U.S. Navy
PO2
Brian Adam Lane
30 Sep 2006

PO2 Brian Adam Lane was born July 21, 1980.  He served as a Nuclear Electronic Technician, 2nd Class on the USS Lincoln, stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington.  Brian died on September 30, 2006.  Brian was a valedictorian at Prague High School, Prague Oklahoma.  Brian went on to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma when he decided to join the United States Navy.  Brian left behind a wife: Julie and a daughter: Kailey.  He now has a granddaughter: Breely and soon to have a grandson: Kamdyn.

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U.S. Navy
SN
Jefrey Jatniel Rosario Rodriguez
27 Nov 2024

Jefrey Jatniel Rosario Rodriguez was a young man who loved God and his family. He always helped others and possessed a tender heart. He was a wonderful son, brother, and friend. Upon his passing, we were able to see just how many lives he had touched with his joy, love, and testimony. Today, we honor your life by remembering every moment we shared embracing, laughing, and weeping together. We will love you always, and you will live on in our hearts.

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U.S. Navy
BM2 (SW/AW)
Jeffery Ethan Jenkins
20 Mar 2020

Served in the Navy from 2012 - 2020.

Ethan was born in Mission Viejo, CA; two years later the family moved to Gilbert, AZ. After 10 years the family moved to Mesa, AZ where Ethan graduated from Red Mountain High School in 2010. Ethan’s love of the military strategy started very early with computer games, history books, movies and his beloved PlayStation. After 4 years at Safeway grocery store, Ethan decided to join the Navy in 2012. Ethan spent 5 years on the USS Gridley (DDG101) that included 2 deployments. USS Gridley was ported 4 years in San Diego and 1 year in Everett Washington. After completing duty on the USS Gridley, Ethan went back to San Diego for 2 years to USS Zumwalt (DDG1000) to get the ship sea ready. By July 2019 Ethan was assigned to the USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG108) in Hawaii which included 1 deployment. Ethan earned numerous awards and promotions including 5 Navy and Marine Achievement Corps Medals. Ethan was known by many shipmates to be consistently hardworking and someone you could count on. Ethan was known for caring for shipmates professional and personal issues. Ethan was known for smiling and using humor to help everyone get through the long days. Ethan leaves behind a family who loves him and misses him every day .

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U.S. Marine Corps
Second Lieutenant
John Michael Odell
30 Apr 1968
John Michael Odell grew up on Orcas Island, off the Washington coast. He was the third of four children, his family and friends called him "Mick". He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers and friends, had a talent for music and played both basketball and football in high school. The Odell family lived in the Lodge built by the CCC located in Moran State Park where his father was the park ranger.Mick graduated from Western Washington University, WWU, in Bellingham WA where he majored in history. There he met his future wife, Kathy Kandlik. Mick and Kathy married that December. Mick had an amazing tenor voice where he was lead singer in the Odell family band, and singing in the WWU chorus. The Odell family appreciated the military. His brother Kim had joined the Air Force, while brother Don and wife were teachers on a US Military base in Germany. Mick, however always admired the Marine Corps, and after graduating from WWU he enlisted and was accepted for the Officer Candidate Course. Basic class 6-67 graduated in November 1967 at Quantico. Mick drove Kathy back to Washington State after graduation, where Kathy would live with her parents during Mick's Vietnam duty. On April 30, 1968 Mick's platoon was conducting patrols. Earlier that morning when a Navy Landing Craft Utility(LCU) boat was ambushed from the vicinity of An Lac, a village southeast of Dai Do. Mick was given orders to cross the Cua Viet River and attack An Lac. His platoon was ambushed and Mick died. The commanding officer of 3rd Marines, Colonel Milton Hull commented later that during the fighting he saw during World War II and Korea, he had never seen such a huge volume of enemy fire as he did on that day. Kathy has been to the site in Viet Nam where he was killed with other Marines to honor his leadership during the battle. It was a very healing experience for her, and a great honor to meet several of his fellow Marines that served with him. There is a Tribute Monument at Quantico to honor Mick and his fallen brothers from Basic Class 6-67.Mick is buried on Orcas Island where he grew up and is missed by his family every day.
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U.S. Navy
HM2
Anthony Mark Fejeran Carbullido
08 Aug 2008
Our son was 18 years old when he joined the U.S. Navy.  He was our eldest,  leaving behind 2 siblings.   He was full of life!  He enjoyed helping people, especially,  elders.  He was an avid runner, enjoyed scuba diving and fishing.  What I,  missed the most was his great sense of humor. And love for his family.
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U.S. Navy
PO3
Matthew O'Bryant
20 Sep 2008
Matthew grew up participating in Royal Rangers at church and earned Ranger of the Year several times. He was also in several Christmas plays, even having the lead role in one. As a teen he helped in the puppet ministry and especially liked being a human blacklight puppet. At high school Matthew was a member of JROTC. In his senior year he served as his school's Battalion Commander. After high school Matthew went to an art school in Atlanta, intending to become a famous movie producer. While in Atlanta he married his high school sweetheart. Realizing he needed a stable source of income, Matthew signed up with the Navy (following his brother and two cousins). Falling back on computer skills he had learned in high school, after boot camp, Matthew went to an A-school in Pensacola. Hearing that the top graduate could earn a rank, Matthew made that his goal. Upon graduating at the top of his class, his official title ranking was CTM3. Matthew was then stationed at Fort Meade and while there, he was deployed on a special assignment. He was to be gone for four months, but couldn't tell us where he would be. He was able to call home several times during the first two weeks. However, his last call to his wife one Saturday morning turned out to be his last call home. He hadn't even been gone one whole month when we learned he was one of two Americans killed in Islamabad, Pakistan.
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U.S. Navy
CPO
Kevin Houston
06 Aug 2011
Kevin A. Houston was born in Atlanta, GA, and grew up in Hyannis, MA, where he attended Barnstable High School. Since he was nine years old, Kevin aspired to become a SEAL. He was a member of the Sea Cadet Corps from age 10-16, and joined the navy in 1995. After completing BUDs training with class 221, he joined SEAL Team 4. In January 2008, he had successfully completed the necessary training to become a member of SEAL Team 6. He was KIA in Afghanistan in 2011. “He grew up to become a defender of the ‘little guy,’” says his mother, Janette. “He was highly respected both in high school and at his command. He was an excellent SEAL who was admired and loved by his brothers-in-arms and he felt the same way about them.” He is remembered by his wife, Meiling, his children, Jaina and Ethan, his stepson, Michael McElroy, his younger brother, Craig, and his mother and father, Janette and Arthur. Kevin’s sister, Miranda, predeceased him in 2005.
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U.S. Navy
PO2
Benjamin Norman
31 Dec 2018
Benjamin "Ben" Norman was born in Manchester, CT, and graduated from Coventry High School. After high school, he completed one year of college before enlisting in the Navy in 2017. Ben was in the final stage of training to become a Machinist Mate (Nuclear Propulsion Engineer) at the time of his death. Growing up, Ben always wanted to become a Naval Officer and then transition to politics. He had two dogs (Cloudy and Ripple) and loved playing all kinds of games (electronic, board, virtual). He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and met his fiancé Asia, while in Poland with his Scout troop. “Ben had a real joy of life and surrounded himself with a group of friends and family whom he truly loved,” said his mother. Ben is lovingly remembered by his parents Sam and Teri, his sister, Rebecca, his brother, Daniel, and his fiancé, Asia.
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U.S. Navy
LT
Paul Fridley
31 Aug 2021

Lieutenant Paul Fridley was lost at sea on August 31, 2021 while conducting flight operations aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) off the coast of San Diego.  His aircraft suffered a mechanical failure shortly after landing resulting in the loss of all five crew members.

Paul was born in Rota, Spain and grew up in Annandale, Virginia.  Paul came from a proud Navy family where both his grandfathers, his father and both of his sisters all served in the Navy.

Paul was an outstanding student attending W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia where he was captain of both the football and lacrosse team. Paul was awarded a NROTC scholarship to the University of Virginia where he majored in Mechanical Engineering, but Paul’s greatest achievement at UVA was meeting and marrying his wife Sarah.

 

Loved by many, Paul is greatly missed by all who knew him.

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U.S. Navy
PO3
Corneilius Brown
24 Apr 2021
My son Corneilius Donte' Brown was a humble, funny, and caring person. He never met a stranger, he always had a smile on his face, even if he was having a bad day. Corneilius a great personality and he stayed positive. I was told he encouraged others when they were on their 10 month deployment. Corneilius was my ONLY child! My son was my sunshine.
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U.S. Navy
PO
Gregory Wayne Musselwhite Jr.
25 Jun 2021

Gregory Wayne Musselwhite Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama on February 10,1986 & went to be with our Heavenly Father on June 25,2021. He was raised in Irvington Alabama. He attended Alma Bryant High School & joined the Navy right out of High School He served for nearly 18 years.He was fun, loving & kind to everyone. Dearly loved & Greatly missed by Family & Friends.

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U.S. Navy
HN
Riley Gallinger-Long
11 Aug 2011

Navy Hospital Corpsman Riley Gallinger-Long

Died August 11, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom.

He was 19 years old and assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

He was KIA on Aug. 11, 2011, in Marjah district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting a dismounted patrol.

After his death, a local park in his hometown of Cornelius, OR was dedicated as Veterans Memorial Park to honor all service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice. See the news article here: https://www.oregonlive.com/forest-grove/2012/06/cornelius_dedicates_park_to_ve.html

Writtten by Zack Gallinger-Long, Gold Star Sibling

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U.S. Navy
AWV1 (NAC/AW)
Thomas Michael Valenzuela
09 Jan 2023

As a Naval Aircrewman - Avionics (AWV), Thomas was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Fleet Air Recon Squadron ONE (VQ-1) “WORLD WATCHERS!” He served as a member aboard maritime patrol/reconnaissance aircraft. Thomas was knowledgeable as he also performed primary in-flight and ground duties as an aircraft In-Flight Technician. Thomas went on to achieve the rate AWV2 – on the EP-3E. Thomas enjoyed many hobbies during his free time. He liked tinkering with automobiles, playing video games, building computer gaming systems, and reading books. He also enjoyed driving and listening to music, big bonfires, and collecting and shooting various firearms. He loved being outside and went on many outdoor adventures.

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U.S. Army
Staff Sergeant
Mark Stets Jr.
03 Feb 2010
Mark A. Stets Jr. grew up in Virginia Beach, VA. After high school, he followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the Navy. After completing a tour in the Navy, he joined Army Psychological Operations. He deployed to Pakistan from 4th Group, 8th Battalion at Fort Bragg in 2009. He was based in Islamabad, but traveled throughout the country, training Pakistani soldiers. He was killed by a VIED on February 3, 2010. Mark earned many military awards, including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Metal and the Combat Action Badge. The Senior Leader Course for Psychological Operations at the NCO Academy at Fort Bragg awards the Staff Sergeant Mark A. Stets Jr. Leadership Award to the course participant that exemplifies the outstanding qualities of a leader. Mark’s parents, Mark and Nancy, are honored to present the Award in his name. He is remembered by his wife, Nina, his three daughters, Jessica, December and Rachael, and his paretns, Nancy and Mark.
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U.S. Navy
HM2
Jeffrey Louis Wiener
07 May 2005

One of Jeff’s greatest strengths was his compassion. It was rare to hear him say anything bad about anyone. He had a talent for recognizing those in need and lifting them up. Knowing him made you a better person. He led a life of service, starting at a young age. It was his desire to help others that led him to Iraq. He died in service to others, doing what he felt compelled to. He loved and was loved in return. He is dearly missed.

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U.S. Navy
AR
Ommy Enrique Molina II
01 Sep 2021

Ommy was a special boy since the day he was born. He was a quiet and shy little boy but very intelligent, honest, and outgoing. Ommy liked music and knew how to play multiple music instruments he also recorded his own songs, and he loved fashion. He loved being in the kitchen and cooking he also loved outdoors and going hiking. Ommy always wanted to do something special or the next big thing when he grew up. He was funny, goofy, caring and liked to help others that were in need. To me Ommy is the best son ever, very respectful to others and he will light up a room with his smile. Every person who met him always fell in love with him. Ommy grew up to be our hero.

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U.S. Navy
PO2
Holden Mead
25 Jun 2023

Holden embraced the brotherhood of the submarine corp. Upon graduation from Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, he was stationed at Bremerton, Washington and served on the USS Connecticut and USS Jimmy Carter as a MMN. He was awarded both his "Dolphins" and a Navy Achievement Medal posthumously. He would have been extremely honored by these achievements.  Although he was proud to be a native Nebraskan, he grew to love the Pacific Northwest as an avid snowboarder and fly-fisherman. Unfortunately, we lost him on a beautiful summer evening in a civilian motorcycle accident. We think of him constantly and miss him terribly. He was fun. He was funny. He loved to laugh, and he could be goofy. He also had a unique intelligence, amazing curiosity and incredibly varied interests. He lived for adventure and new experiences, always with a great attitude and positive outlook. His life and memory will always be cherished especially by his parents, Philip & Heather, and sister, Taylor. Fair winds and following seas, Navy man. Godspeed, our son.

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U.S. Army
SFC
Matthew Q. McClintock
05 Jan 2016
Matthew belonged to the 19th Special Forces Group (Green Beret) ODA 9115 and was KIA January 5, 2016 in the Marjah District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. During an all-day fire-fight he exposed himself alone on two separate occasions in attempts to clear a landing zone for a medevac helicopter to evacuate a wounded teammate. He and two teammates discussed the third attempt to get the wounded teammate out. Jordan began with “We’re going to catch hell out there.” Casey stated, “Yeah, understand that, we got to get “Ski” out.” Matthew added – probably his last words, “It’s what we do!”
The last four words that I know of--"It's what we do" sums up my son's character, his morale's and his courage. One teammate said, "when you heard gunfire Matthew was the one that ran towards it." He always fought for those that couldn't fight for themselves. 
Never Forget,
Sonny McClintock (father of SFC McClintock)
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U.S. Navy
PO3
Ryne Hiler
04 May 2014

Ryne was born in Norfolk, VA on November 15, 1990. He grew up in Newcastle, PA where he enjoyed video games, paintball, and spending time with his friends. Ryne joined the Navy in 2009 and spent his enlistment as a Master of Arms. He enjoyed his time on the ocean with the U.S.S Enterprise sailing to places like Dubai and Djibouti. After his ship the U.S.S Enterprise was deactivated, he was stationed in Norfolk, VA. During this time, Ryne liked to spend his time outdoors and with his wife, daughter, and friends. In his fourth and final year of service, he passed away suddenly on May 4, 2014 in Norfolk, VA. Ryne is survived by his loving family in New Castle, Pa and his friends across the country who honor his memory everyday. 
 

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U.S. Navy
AN
Mathew McDaniel
14 Aug 2023

Remembering Mathew

When I think of Mathew, I'm reminded of his incredible sense of adventure. Instead of college, he chose to join the Navy straight out of high school, craving the thrill of exploring the world. Smart, funny, and kind-hearted, his towering 6'5" frame matched his larger-than-life personality perfectly. We lost an extraordinary soul that day, and the void he left behind is immeasurable. To us, he was known as Boo... a nickname that originated from his mischievous childhood antics that always led to another "Boo, Boo" moment. In loving memory of a remarkable son, brother, grandson, and friend who left us all too soon. Mathew, you are missed beyond measure, but your spirit lives on in our hearts and our memories. We love you Boo. Forever & Always.

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U.S. Navy
Commander
S. Carr Kratovil, Jr.
09 Nov 2018

Carr decided to join the Navy and applied to OCS his senior year in college in response to 9/11. Carr grew up in New York City and worked on the 92nd Floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center during the summer before his senior year at college. He left for college 3 weeks prior to the plane hitting the north tower and killing everybody who was at the firm at the time (approximately 8:30 am). He went to OCS at Pensacola and trained to be a Flight Officer and was assigned to E-2 Hawkeyes. He fell in love with the Navy and decided to make it his career. He was deployed 4 times in the Middle East, as well as deployment in South and Central American in conjunction with DEA operations. He flew in over 200 combat missions. He served as a Flag Aide to Admiral Philip S. Davidson. Prior to his death he had been promoted to serve as the Executive Officer to VAW 125, the Tigertails, with CAW 5 assigned to the USS Ronald Reagan in Japan. He is loved dearly by his family and friends and is missed each and every day.

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U.S. Navy
LT
Bruce J. Donald
29 Sep 2000

Bruce was born January 12, 1973, in Frankfurt, Germany.  He moved to

Poughkeepsie in June, 1979.  While attending Spackenkill High School, he 

was on the cross country team, was captain of the tennis team, and was

very active in school theater.  Bruce was the class president of the 

Spackenkill High School class of 1991.

 

Saying, "I like the challenge", Bruce accepted a nomination to the US Naval

Academy, entering in July 1991.  In 1995 He graduated with a BS in Ocean

Engineering from the Naval Academy.  He was selected for Naval Aviation

training, earning his "Wings of Gold" in February 1998.

 

Bruce was selected for further training in the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, the 

Navy's primary attack jet.  Upon completion of transition training he was

assigned to Attack/Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25).  VFA-25 deployed aboard the 

USS Abraham Lincoln in August 2000 to enforce the Southern No-Fly Zone in

Iraq.

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U.S. Navy
PO2
Herman "Bud" Bolte IV
28 Aug 2003
Herman "Bud" Bolte IV joined the Navy on his 17th birthday. He graduated 1st in his Aviation Maintenance Training School at Pensacola, Florida and received an early promotion. He was stationed at Cecil Field NAS in Jacksonville, Florida, and Patuxent River NAS, Maryland for four years of shore duty. He served in the Naval Reserves at Point Mugu NAS in Ventura, California until 9/11 when he was called up to Active Reserves. Bud was killed in a homicide while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bud loved the Navy and was admired by his fellow Sailors. He has been dearly missed by his family and friends.
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U.S. Navy
Chief
William J. Hibbs
26 Feb 2007
Chief Hibbs was successful in his Navy career, and dedicated to community service programs as well as a volunteer fireman. 
He was proud to represent the Navy and a very proud father of three!
He was also a true hero on the day that the USS Bonefish had a fire and helped others first before himself. 
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U.S. Navy
PO2
Michael Pleasants
23 May 2021

Michael Pleasants was born in the Bronx, New York and moved to Teaneck, New Jersey. He excelled academically receiving an academic scholarship to Hampton University. In 2015 Michael enlisted in the United States Navy, continuing his family legacy of military service. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class, assigned as a Yeoman 2. He was twice selected as Navy Sailor of the Quarter and distinguished as Navy Sailor of the Year.  He was decorated with many medals and commendations. During Michael’s military service he earned two college degrees. He graduated with an Associate of Science degree from Bergen Community College and in 2021 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University. Michael was involved in entrepreneurial endeavors, creating variants of a software application that was designed to bring people together. He also had passions that included an in depth understanding of business and finance. 

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U.S. Navy
FC2
Cade Edward Butler
08 Aug 2011

USS Port Royal (CG 73)

Cade Edward Butler was born June 11, 1989. He went to Heaven August 8, 2011.

He was the youngest of three. Cade’s sister, Kaonii King and brother, Michael Horton.

Cade was a highly intelligent young man; he grew up way too fast! Cade was very social, he accepted everyone. When Cade was 15 yrs. He traveled to Guatemala with a mission’s group to help build the Guatemalans a church. Cade had lots of great stories of his trip. He had ordered himself a Pepsi one day, and the guy behind the counter asked him if he wanted a bottle (which cost more) or if he wanted it in a plastic bag with a straw. Cade thought this was hilarious.

Cade said he felt a calling of joining the Navy and enlisted in 2007. He was very responsible and was able to move up ranks quickly. He wanted to go from a Seaman to an Admiral. Cade was a Fire Controlman 2nd Class. Cade explained to his mother that was not a “Fireman”, his job was to shoot down missiles that were aimed at his ship.

Cade will always be remembered for his big heart and smile. He will be forever missed.

One day we will reunite again in heaven.

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U.S. Navy
AM1
Peyton Stankiewicz
28 Feb 2022

Peyton joined the navy out of high school in December of 2011.  After boot camp at Great Lakes, he reported to VR-54 in Belle Chase, La.,  where for the next 4 years he was a loadmaster on a C-130. In that position he flew around the world several times, lost track of how many times he was in Hawaii and visited over 50 countries. He then changed jobs and became an airframe mechanic for the next 2 years. Peyton re-joined for 4 more years in February 2018, reporting to VFA-122 in Lemoore, Ca.  to work on FA18E/F Super Hornets.  While Peyton was there, he was chosen to represent VFA-122 as part of the West Coast Rhino Tactical Demonstration Team. In December of 2021 Peyton re-joined for 6 more years to get back to where he had started at VR-54 Louisiana. Sadly on 2/28/2022 he was struck by a car and killed.

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U.S. Navy
DT3
Paul Agnir
16 Jun 2003
Loving husband, father and son and now a grandfather.
 (submitted by his loving wife, Mylene)
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U.S. Navy
AS1
Craig R. Reuter
03 Dec 2017
AS1 (AW/SW/IW) Craig Reuter was born in Iowa. He loved his small town roots but always yearned to see the world. He joined his Navy family in 2001 and started his journey.  He was a 17 year veteran of the U.S. Navy.  The USS John S McCain, The USS Bonhomme Richard, The USS Nimitz, and finally the USS Makkin Island became his home. Craig left behind his wife of 13 years, a nine year old son, his parents and 2 younger sister's and a younger brother. Craig loved his family, friends and his Navy, especially his AS family. He was involved in both Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, as well as the tsunami efforts and many other expeditionary's.  We miss him everyday in everyway.
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U.S. Navy
LT.
Jose Luis (Joey) Resendez
04 Jan 2024

Jose Luis (Joey) Resendez was born in Austin, Texas and grew up in El Paso, Texas. Joey graduated with distinction from Cathedral High School in 2014 and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in 2019. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Leyte Gulf (CG-55). His first ship was the U.S.S. Truxtun (DDG-103). Joey was always the life of the party, the “ride or die” and the standout in all he did. Joey lived a life of purpose and adventure. He never denied himself a challenge or an experience and that zeal for life was contagious to anyone lucky enough to be in his presence. He had an amazing sense of humor, a quick and enviable intelligence, and a gentleness and kindness rarely found. He had a beautiful and genuine smile, a huge heart, and a generous nature. RIP

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials