Reggie Parks Carpenter

 

On Easter Sunday, April 19th, 1987 at 3:06 am our darling Jacob was born.December 31st, 2010 was the last time I saw my son, Jacob. I’ll forever cherish the memory of him sledding down a friend’s driveway to usher in that new year. In his typical fashion, he added an extra kick to our fun day with his hilarious sense of humor. It was February 7th, 2011 at around 6:30 pm when THE knock on my door happened. My world collapsed when two uniformed Navy Commanders were standing at my door.... and their words "Ma’am, are you Audrey, .....on behalf of the United States Navy.....we regret to inform you........"Growing up, Jacob had an adventurous, daring, yet gentle spirit. He loved the Boy Scouts, Royal Rangers, BMX biking, snowboarding, and especially scuba diving. Each activity played a valuable part in preparing him for the success he showed in the Navy. Our hero, Jacob Keith Bare, joined the Navy after high school. He followed a family line of military warriors. His maternal great grandfather served in the German Army and is buried at Champigny-St. -André; Futelaye, France. His maternal grandfather is retired United States Army and served in the Korean war and did two tours in Vietnam. Jacob's maternal uncle served in the US Navy and Jacob's father was in the US Air Force. This spirit of selfless, honorable, and courageous service was carried out in our family and in Jacob. He valued absolute respect and duty to his Country. Jacob never wanted any accolades for any outstanding action on his part. He always deemed it a natural result of his love for his fellow man and Country. When Jacob saved a classmate's life at Jenkins High School in 2003, when he would donate blood to the Blood Bank, or when he earned the Meritorious Service Medal in 2010, we would hear of it from other people, instead of from him. In fact, we didn't even learn that he served in the Persian Gulf and in Iraq until it was engraved on his tombstone. When I would ask him about long deployments, his favorite quote would be, "Loose lips sink ships." Jacob spent time on the USS Shoup DDG-86 in 2006, graduated from Navy Dive School in Panama City, Florida in 2008, and completed the Airborne course in Fort Benning, GA in 2010 at the top 5 in his group. His duty station was in Pearl City, Hawaii with the Seal Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1). He earned many awards and accolades. His Commanding Officer, at the time of his death, said that he did his job well.I know that he has left an everlasting impression and presence in our lives and the many lives he touched with his loyalty, bravery, generosity, humor, and dedication. We are so very blessed to have had the miraculous gift that Jacob was in our lives and we are anchored in the hope to see him for eternity. -Written by Audrey Reese, Gold Star Mother

Joseph Anthony Reese II, Fire Controlmen II Petty Officer Officer 2nd Class was born July 6, 1996 and died September 19, 2020. Joseph served in the United States Navy. He loved life and he leaves his parents, Robert and Valerie Byas and 5 siblings, James Talley III, Janelle Talley,  Janee' Talley,  Christopher Talley and Christian Talley behind to cherish his memory.  Joseph brought joy to our lives and he will forever be missed.

Josh was stationed in Norfolk, VA., and served five years aboard the USS Jason Dunham. Josh is missed by so many every single day. He loved his family and friends, and those are the ones left behind to remember the wonderful times shared with him, but also carry an emptiness in our hearts. We know that this is our temporary home, and one day we will be together again. Love and miss you - forever in our hearts.

Our son, Raymond (Joe) Luckett III enlisted in the Navy when he was 25. After boot camp, Joe trained to serve as a Seabee. He was proud to serve as a Seabee and traveled the world, serving in Afghanistan, Japan, Sicily, Bahrain and Somalia. He also spent a short amount of time serving in Romania. Joe was well respected wherever he served because he always went above and beyond what was asked of him. Joe was getting ready to leave the States to deploy to Guam at the time of his death. He was proud to be a Seabee. He was especially proud to serve in the greatest Navy in the world. His family, fellow sailors, and friends miss him greatly.

Michael Vecchio was born in Brick, NJ, and graduated from Brick High School. Growing up, “an energetic ball of curiosity,” said his dad, Michael. “He loved action sports such as snowboarding, surfing, golf, mountain biking, skating, and spear fishing – just to name a few.” He had a love of music and played harmonica and the ukulele and was a cunning chess player. Michael had an ability to see those in need and help them with absolute selflessness. “He would choose to do the right thing which was not always the easiest thing,” said his mother, Carol. Michael joined the Navy in 2016 and began training to become an Air Acoustics Systems Operator. He was scheduled to be part of the tactical sub hunting group, Patrol Squadron 30. “Michael did not have the opportunity to serve as he would have wished but his indelible soul will surely be transmitted into all whose lives he had touched and continue in his spirit of those who served alongside him,” said Michael. He is remembered by his mother and father, Carol and Michael, and his older brother, Vincent.

William was born to be in the military, says his mother, Lisa who said her son was funny, smart, athletic and a "protector" to a fault. At the age of five, William declared that one day he would grow up to be a Navy SEAL. Though he was mentally and physically prepared, it was during his Navy physical he learned he was color blind, and his dream of becoming a SEAL was dashed. He then chose to become a Corpsman, graduating first in his class. After two years at Balboa Hospital and a transfer to Camp Le Jeune, his desire to get in the battlefield with 1st battalion 2nd Marines Weapons Company was realized. He came home from Afghanistan a hero in 2011. Devoted to his brothers, he chose to extend his five year commitment attaching to a scout sniper platoon. His life was cut short in an accident on the day he completed his training. William loved his family, friends and his country. "He was a bright light in our lives," said Lisa. "He has been gone nine years and it still feels like yesterday. I am proud and grateful to call him our son."

Gary Leo Rehm, Jr. was born in Elyria, OH, and graduated from Oberlin High School. While in high school, Gary obtained his HVAC certification. He was a hard worker and began working at a very young age, said his mother. He was a Boy Scout and was very close to making Eagle Scout before his troop disbanded and he was unable to fulfill requirements. He joined the Navy in July 1998 and was stationed at various locations along the East Coast before his final assignment aboard the USS Fitzgerald. He was a Fireman Controlman and was loved and respected by his peers and his leaders. He was physically active and was considered the life of any party. “He was a wonderful son and we miss him so very much,” said his mother. Gary was posthumously promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and he is remembered by his wife Erin, his mother and father, Anita and Gary, and his sister Jessica.

Mark Brandon Emery, was born on October 8, 1980 in Napa, Idaho. After graduating from Napa High School in '98, Mark enlisted in the United States Navy. Mark was stationed at Port Hueneme when he met his wife, Christy. Mark and Christy were married February 15, 2003. On October 9, 2004, Mark and Christy welcomed their first child, Deavion Emery. On November 16, 2005 Mark and Christy welcomed their second child, Sage Emery. Mark was a dedicated Navy Seabee for 21 years. Mark loved being a Navy Seabee and he encompassed everything the Navy stands for in every single decision he made. Mark was approachable, but also a force of reckoning when the situation called for it. Mark was a family man. He loved spending time with his wife and children. Mark was a supportive father and he did everything from football practice to listening to music with his children. Christy and Mark were married for 18 years and enjoyed volunteering, attending concerts and cuddling while watching their favorite shows. Mark was a Hero. He always fought for what was right and did so day after day until he passed. Mark has touched so many lives and we are all thankful for the time we had with our American Hero. May we never forget his love for us and our nation. We love and miss you Daddy and will be graciously awaiting our "I'm already there!"

Our Son John P. Fritz served on board the USGN Florida 728 and was in charge of the Nuclear Propulsion System. The Motto of the USGN Florida is "Fortis Fortuna Aduivat" or "Fortune Favors the Brave." He was Brave, Adventurous, and the Smartest man we have ever known. He had a thirst for adventure, he walked the Appalachian Trail alone. He went on a personal "Walkabout" in Queensland, Australia, hiking and exploring the Country and Camping outside and staying in Hostels. He was fearless. Above all things He Loved his God, his Family and his Country. He served them all with every ounce of his being. He deployed numerous times. He transferred to the NNPTC in South Carolina after serving on the USGN Florida and became a respected, and innovative instructor. He is survived by his Mother, Father, two brothers and four sisters and daughter Madeline. His infectious laugh, boundless curiosity, and thirst for adventure will never be forgotten by those who loved admired, and cherished him. we remember that as long as we say his name he will always be with us. "Fair Winds and Following Seas, Rest Your Oar Sailor, we have the watch. We Love You John  Paul!

Eric was KIA on his third tour of Afghanistan with the 1/8 Marines. Someone called for help: he went; he triggered an IED and took the full brunt of it. Eric's Marines come in every year on Memorial weekend to celebrate his beautiful life with his family and hometown friends. In this picture, if you look closely, you can see a butterfly landed on his hand. This picture sums him up perfectly, tough and ready for action yet, a heart of gold and a smile to light the world. Eric was considered a Marine by his battalion because he fought right beside them. He was completely dedicated to healing their wounds as well as their minds. He made the best of all situations and made life for his Marines, his family and his friends better. He is loved, missed, honored and remembered every day.

This is my brother Donny. We lost him unexpectedly on August 14, 2020. Donny loved to have fun and was always ready to go wherever life took him. He was stationed in Norfolk, aboard the USS George H.W Bush. He loved being on the flight deck and always said there was no feeling quite like it. Our family misses him dearly, but we are so proud of Sailor he became. ABH3 HART

Cameron was born in Natchitoches, LA and graduated from North-western State University. He was a Naval Flight Officer. He loved his time in the Navy, 3 cruises and made lots of wonderful friends.

Survived By: Parents: Evan & Margaret Hall, Catie Hall, Michael Hall

Navy Ensign John R. Elliott, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy Class of 2000 (born November 17, 1977, died July 22, 2000) was killed in a head-on collision with a drunken driver while driving home from Annapolis, MD to Egg Harbor Township, N.J. for his mother’s birthday celebration.  The son of Bill and Muriel Elliott, Ensign Elliott, was preparing to enter Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fla. that fall.

In his memory, John’s Law in NJ requires police to impound the cars of drunken drivers for 12 hours. The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign www.herocampaign.org promotes the use of designated drivers nationwide in partnership with schools, colleges, bar and tavern owners, police and NFL and MLB teams. The Capstone Character and Leadership Seminars are also offered at the Naval Academy in memory of Ensign Elliott. He was laid to rest with military honors at the Naval Academy Cemetery.

We called him Joey, just a young man from Akron, Ohio. A kid that was a Boy Scout and loved playing in the High School Marching Band at Akron Manchester High School, Joey has 2 brothers and 3 sisters. The oldest is Dan Ashley Jr., he played football in High School and the youngest brother is Benjamin Ashley. We were real proud of Joseph going into the service for his education and he loved what he was doing and always wanted to hear about his brother that was going into the Army, Benjamin. As a parent I was happy just to hear his voice every time he called home, Joey was just a small town country boy that loved his family and friends, and loved his God and Country.  

Jacob (Jake) had a giving heart and helping spirit. He loved our Lord, his family, friends and serving our country. We cherish every moment and were blessed to have him in our lives. Forever in our hearts. Semper Fortis.

Lieutenant Commander Michael Alexander Rutherford, who served on both an active duty and reserve status in the US Navy was a loving father, son and friend. He passed away in his home on Wednesday, 13 April 2022 at the age of 40. Mike was born at Fort Sill Army Base, Lawton, Oklahoma on 19 November 1981. After graduating from Rex Putnam High School, Mike enlisted in the Navy on 15 January 1999 and was later commissioned as an officer on 17 June 2006. He subsequently became a Naval Aviator, flying P3s across multiple deployments and shore tours. After his flying career concluded, Mike continued to serve with distinction in intelligence and special operations roles. His most recent deployment was to Afghanistan from January thru November 2020 for RESOLUTE SUPPORT, Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan. Mike held a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University, an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master’s degree from the National Intelligence University. He was known for his quick wit, constant jokes, infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. Mike is survived by his son, Mason Rutherford, mother, Cherriie Rutherford; father, Michael Banda; two half-brothers, Michael and David Banda, maternal grandmother Gloria Dupuis; paternal grandparents Saul and Mary Banda, Aunts Debbie Dupuis, Ellen Rutherford

Civil Engineer Corps, USN

United States Merchant Marine Academy

26 SEP 1982 - 27 MAR 2009

It was a privilege for Frankie to serve his country. Frankie was the heartbeat of our family. We all inspire to honor him with our daily actions and words that demonstrate the integrity and courage he showed with his actions.

Survived By: Brooke Toner, Frank Toner III, Rebecca Toner and family

Wayne was born in Slidell, LA on April 17, 1983. He lived in Gainesville, Florida for all but seven years of his life.

Wayne entered into the Delayed Entry Program of the Marine Corps on October 24, 2007 and was sworn into the Marine Corps on January 22, 2008 by his father, Captain Lee Vincent, USN Retired.  He was 24.

He was a member of 2^nd Battalion, 8^th Marines, Fox Company, Weapons Platoon, also known as “America’s Battalion”.

On May 18, 2009, Wayne departed Camp Lejeune en route to Afghanistan.  He was killed in an ambush on July 25, 2009 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. 

Keith grew up in the Philadelphia and Cheltenham areas of Pennsylvania.  Keith was an avid Xbox gamer, he also played volleyball, ran track and cross-country. He married Sidra in 2011 and they resided in Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii. Keith's Navy career began in 2009. He received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal, five Navy achievement medals,  and Navy Unit Commendations. Keith was a quiet,  gentle soul who loved his family, friends also his canine family Keiko and Chichi. We thank God for the short and precious years he allowed you to be with us. We will miss Keith, but you remain in our hearts.

#Peter the 3rd borne child of 5 & 1st of 3 sons that has enlisted into the United States Military. Both of his two older brothers joined the service ranks of the United States Army Rangers & United States National Guards men.  A Lover of the ocean. Peter was motivated by his grandmother to enlist in the United States Navy & served 6 years. He sailed the seas on three different Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. Following the 3 Nimitz-class Peter was stationed and worked the HSG-3 at NAS North Island, in San Diego, CA and lastely the Wasp Amphibious assault ship of the USS Makin Island LHD-8~IYASOYAS He has traveled many voyages to distant lands. To setting sails asea humbled by nature , a Kind Soul. Peter had Heart! A big Heart at that A rare breed of his time A lover in his own right . He expected nothing less than that of the same Love & Kindness in return.. Just an all around kinda guy. He was a world traveler, a reason to smile ,and an inspiration to be a better. Peter’s legacy will be honored as we celebrate his life & live everyday as he did. Thank you, Peter for your Service to our country and for your Sacrifices for our freedom. May the seas lie smooth before you. May a gentle breeze forever fill your sails. May sunshine warm your face, And kindness warm your soul. # FOREVERPETER♥  ♥mom ~Fair winds and Following seas, shipmate, we have the watch.

James was a very caring person. He volunteered at the USO in Guam before he passed away. He broke his wrist when he was in high school and we were driving 30 miles from home one day and blew a tire. He would not let me change the tire. He told me his casts were so hard it did not hurt to change the tire. I and his brother miss him so much. We love you James Dyer!!!

We love and miss you to the moon and back. Rest in peace-Mom, Dad, Brothers and Sister

Robert was Navy Hospital Corpsman who served most of his years with the Marines. He loved being there for others and he loved helping any who needed him. He served almost 20 years before he was suddenly taken from us. He would have retired July 31, 2018 after serving 20 years. He loved what he was doing and loved the men who served under him. To his family, he was a hero. He loved his nieces and nephews and treated them as if they were his. He left a mother who loved him dearly, a brother and two sisters, who miss him so much.

Brandon Slatton loved to laugh, said his wife, Jenny. “He was definitely a people person.” Brandon was born in Pocatella, ID, but grew up in Pevely, MO where he attend-ed Herculaneum High School. He joined the Navy in 2004 and be-came a Damage Controlman where he managed fire systems aboard ships, taught firefighting at Boot Camp, and recruited young Sailors.A handy guy, Brandon was always working on something – be-tween building things for his two children or tinkering with his motorcycle or pick-up truck, his hands were rarely idle. According to Jenny, Brandon’s dream was to retire at 20 years and become a fire marshal as his second career, “or a mailman,” he would joke to his wife. He always had a smile on his face, “unless the Cardi-nals or Packers were losing,” says Jenny. He is remembered by his wife Jenny, his children, Gene and Emmie, his mother and father, Paula and Vern, and his siblings Nathan, Anna, and Danielle.

Nathan Lee Watford was born in Saint Joseph, Michigan. He joined the Navy in 2008 where he excelled as an Engineering Laboratory Technician on a nuclear submarine, according to his was father, Trent. “Nathan was a bright young man with a very inquisitive mind,” he said. “He loved animals and at different times had a pet bird, a dog and cat.” He enjoyed playing video games and riding the family’s jet ski. He is remembered by his parents, Trent and Lynelle and his brother, Air Force Major Jonathan Watford.

Petty Officer 1^st Class Brian Richard Stead was born on the Northshore of Boston on January 17, 1990. He grew up amongst a large and loving family and group of friends.

After college Brian enlisted in the Navy, wanting to be part of the world’s greatest team. He served proudly from 2013 until 2024. In the course of those 11 years, he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 1^st Class and earned several medals and accommodations. In November of 2021 Brian married Reiko Suzuki and in June of 2023 welcomed a beautiful daughter, Emi Stead. Sadly in April of 2024 we lost Brian as he was serving in the Navy. He is missed by all that knew him, we have all lost a fine man. He will forever be in our hearts. It is with pride that Brian served our nation.

Captain DeConto, a Sandwich MA native, was killed during the 9/11 Terrorist Attack on the Pentagon while on duty in the Navy Command Center. Captain DeConto was a dedicated Naval Officer who was respected and admired by those he served for and by those that served for him. He was a high-spirited , caring person who enjoyed many activities, one of which was running, and he enjoyed them most when they were shared with friends and family. His Navy career took him all over the world but he returned to Cape Cod whenever he could, and he spent the weekend before 9/11 in Sandwich with family and friends. The Captain DeConto Memorial Scholarship Fund was set up in his memory to honor him and the legacy he left behind which is one of service to his county, leadership, friendship and love of life and family.

Lt. William (Bill) Joseph McKeown was born July 21, 1981, in Dickinson, ND. Bill attended grade school in Marmarth and North Pole, Alaska. He graduated valedictorian from Rhame High School in 1999. From there, he went on to Tulane University in New Orleans, La., with a full scholarship from the Naval ROTC program. He graduated with a mechanical engineering degree and was commissioned an ensign in the Navy in 2003. Bill went on to serve in the Navy as both a mechanical and nuclear engineer following graduation. Bill received his nuclear training in Charlestown and in Utica, N.Y., then to diving school in Florida. Bill was stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii for 11 months, then to Guam for three years, where he was stationed on the U.S.S. City of Corpus Christi SSN 705. He then went on to Charlestown as a instructor in Nuclear School. Bill loved to hunt and fish and hang out with his family and friends and was also an avid car enthusiast. He had a true zest for life – he never let life get him down. He was a very determined and optimistic person throughout his entire life. He was a happy person with a love for his family and friends that all knew, felt and understood. He made sure of this. He accomplished so much in his short time here and never lost sight of who he was, where he was going in life or how he would get there – nothing stopped him – he saw no roadblocks in life. More than anything else in life, Bill cherished his relationships with family and friends.