Geoffrey Whitsitt

Sergeant Charles Strong was born on November 24, 1985. During his military career he trained as a Motor Transportation Operator, Military Police, and as an Instructor at the Officer Candidates School, Quantico.

Sgt. Strong was deployed to Al Quim, Iraq with 3^rd Battalion 2^nd Marine and participated in Operation Matador and Quick Strike; to Habbaniyah, Iraq as the only Vehicle Recovery Operator for the battalion during Operation Rubicon and Mars; and to Sangin, Afghanistan as a team leader and navigator for all logistical mounted patrols. On April 27, 2011, Sergeant Strong suffered a non-combat related amputation, which cut his deployment short.

While Sergeant Strong was recovering from his injuries, he prepared and applied for Marine Special Operations Command (MARCOC) Assessment and Selection. After selection on April 2, 2013, he attended Individual Training Course 2-13 and graduated as a Critical Skills Operator on December 6, 2013.  In December 2013 Sergeant Strong was assigned to Marine Special Operations Company Fox, 2D MSOB where he served as an Element Member for Marine Special Operations Team #8214.

Sergeant Strong was killed in action September 15, 2014 in a “Green on Blue” incident while supporting partnered operations in Herat Province, Afghanistan. 

 

Gregg grew up in Montana, and after High school he attended college for one year then decided to join the navy.  He had a patriotic spirit and proudly served his country.  

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

Nick joined the Navy July 7, 2008. He attended Catholic school from kindergarten through high school. He was an honor student. In high school he was in ROTC. Nick wanted to be in the military since the age of six. He was a Life Eagle in the Boy Scouts. Nick was a very loud child. He loved to talk. He was a jokester, prankster and all around pain in the butt. He was a leader among his friends. He would lead them every where- up trees in caves around corners and into trouble. He would never leave them if they needed help or if they were being picked on. His friends were friends for life. To this day they still miss him terribly and are close to his Mother and Brother. Life with Nick was never boring. He was a daredevil. He tried everything and almost always hurt himself ,but never gave up. He was so proud and happy with himself being in the military and so was his Brother and Mother.

Survived By:

Mother, Karen Burns & Brother: TJ Barrett

Joey was born in January 3, 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona. Graduated from Boulders Creek high school in 2024. After graduation, he spoke often with a family friend who was a retired Navy Chief, which inspired him to pursue a path of service. Joey enlisted in the Navy and left for boot camp in March 2025. After successfully completing training, he attended A school to become an Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM). He was later stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, with the HSM-74 helicopter squadron. Sadly, less than a month after arriving, Joey was tragically killed in a vehicular accident. He is deeply loved and missed every day. We hold onto our faith and look forward to the day we will see him again in heaven.

Special Operations Chief (SEAL) Aaron Carson Vaughn was KIA on August 6th, 2011 when a chopper carrying 30 Americans was shot down in the Tangi River Valley of Afghanistan while rushing into battle. Aaron left behind his wife, Kimberly, and 2 small children; a son, Reagan, who was not quite two years old and a daughter, Chamberlyn, who was only nine weeks old.Aaron was a follower of God and devoted to his family. He loved to work on trucks and spend time with his friends and teammates. His presence is missed by all who knew and loved him.

On behalf of my son Kittrel Jr, he dedicated his life for service in the United States Navy at the time of his accident. He was beginning to enroll in petty officer school.

LCpl. Rory Henderson Dalgliesh was born 5/24/90 in Colorado Springs, CO. Grew up in Lake Orion, MI. Graduated Marine boot camp Jan. ’10. Assigned to 2/8 Fox Co., 0311. Completed specialized dog handler training, medical training before deploying to Afghanistan, Jan. ’11. Rory’s unquestionable love, respect for family, friends, brothers/sisters & the Corps is missed more than words can begin to describe. He was an “amazing man who touched so many lives”. “Rory’s baseline was solid, especially under high-pressure situations. I got to know Rory at a very personal level. Rory was filled with optimism and a general sense of purpose and meaning. He often described his aspirations to join the U.S Marine Corps elite MARSOC.” “You and Janice raised an amazing man who touched so many lives. It's because of you so many of us were touched by Rory”. Devastating call came; September 29th. 2013.

Kenneth Aaron Smith, was born on January 27, 1995, died on August 21, 2017. PO2 Kenmeth  Smith was killed in the USS MCCain collision with 9 other sailors. 

Kenneth was a loving son, sibling and a friend to many. He had a promising future as a fantasy author, and he was already self-published. Kenneth was a huge animal lover, and had several pets throughout his life. Kenneth enjoyed comedy, soccer, theme parks, working out, karaoke, and he was known for his sense of humor. Kenneth was incredibly smart and he had a bright future ahead of him. 

Kenneth was loved. He will be missed dearly for the rest of our lives.

His loving mother, April

Aviation Boatswains Mate Handling Hunter Nathaniel Biehle was born in Austin, TX in 1998.  He was raised in Lexington, TX where he graduated high school in 2016.    Hunter decided to serve his country and joined the U.S. Navy in 2019.  In the short year he was there he got to live in Illinois, Florida, Japan and his final station at Naval Base Coronado in California. Hunter was very proud of the Lone Star State and expressed it often to other sailors, which earned him the name “Big Tex” by his fellow sailors. 

Hunter was passionate about music, fishing, hunting and technology.  His favorite pass time was traveling which is what led him to the Navy.  Before he joined, he had already visited many other countries, states, and cities, by car, cruises and planes.  Hunter got to experience more than most with family & friends and he was always so appreciate of it all.

 

John A. DiGiovacchino was born in Woodbury, NJ, and grew up in Clarksboro, NJ, where he attended Kingsway Regional High School. He loved soccer, music, cars and motorcycles. After graduation, he attended The Pennsylania State University where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1996. He was commissioned in the Navy in September, 1996, and was designated as a Naval Aviator in 1999. He flew the E-2C Hawkeye and had several deployments aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and later after becoming a test pilot, aboard the USS John Stennis participating in several peacetime multinational security exercises. He continued his education, earning an M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering at Wright Patterson Airforce Base in 2005. In 2010 he reported to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD, and was assistant program manager for Systems Engineering working on the E-2D Hawkeye at the time of his death in 2015. He is remembered by his wife, Christine, his brothers Mark and Joe, and his parents, Anthony and Kathy.

SPC Brian Tabada was born in Olangapo, Philippines, and relocated to the US as a boy. According to family members, he loved to skateboard, play video games, write and draw in his youth. Raised primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada, he attended both Shadow Ridge and Arbor View High Schools. He joined the Army in August 2008, and was stationed shortly after at the 101^st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Brian was a fire support specialist, also known as a “Fister” assigned to Headquarters Company, 1^st Battalion, 327^th Infantry Regiment, 1^st Combat Team. Brian died after his mounted patrol was ambushed and took on small-arms and rocket propelled grenade fire in the Darah-Ye district, Kunar province, Afghanistan.

Brian was a very special young man, who had a lot to offer this world and forever in his smile. He is survived by his mother Leinette Mahan and her husband, his father Retired Fire Captain and Major, US Army (Ret.) Muncko Kruize and his wife, two sisters, a brother, a grandmother, an aunt and two uncles.

“A hui hou” Brian… (Until we meet again)

Dakota Rigsby was born September 12, 1997, in Fort Polk, Louisiana. He attended Fluvanna County Public Schools, graduating in 2015 from Fluvanna County High School. Dakota loved playing sports, all things Pokémon, listening to a variety of music, playing videogames and spending time with friends and family. He was a kind, caring and funny individual who had an infectious laugh and smile. Dakota had a tremendous love for his family and friends and was someone who never met a stranger. Dakota entered the delayed entry program for the U.S. Navy in July 2015. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 17, 2016 at Fort Lee, Virginia, leaving for Great Lakes RTC boot camp. He graduated from boot camp on April 15, 2016 and remained at Great Lakes for A School. Dakota graduated from Gunner’s Mate A School on October 7, 2016. Dakota was assigned to the USS Fitzgerald DDG 62 in November 2016 where he was stationed until his passing on June 17, 2017. Dakota, we miss you, we love you and we have always been so proud of you! You are FOREVER LOVED, NEVER FORGOTTEN!  

Commander Francis “Fran” Williams grew up in Massachusetts. He was first a Marine, serving from 1969 – 1975, including a tour in Vietnam. In 1994, he joined the Navy as an officer and pursued a degree in Pharmacy. His primary job in the Navy was a pharmacist, but he was also an epidemiologist while working on a Malaria project for the Navy. He held a BS from the Massachusetts College Pharmacy, an MS in Epidemiology from Harvard University, and a BA in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He played the piano, loved to fish, making his own Fly fishing lures. He sailed a Morgen sloop until just before he died, and had a working lobster boat as a young man. He liked to cook and was a devoted Red Sox and Patriots fan. He liked hiking and spending time with his sons. He is remembered by his wife of 40 years, Janice, their sons, Paul, James, and Matthew, and daughter-in-laws Emily, Liyan, and Meagan. He has five grandchildren he never met - Aiden, Joshua Francis, Elliot, Morgen, and Iris Frances.

Jesse Melton III was raised in Randallstown, MD. He attended Randallstown High School graduating with honors in 1996. He attended Messiah College, PA fall of 1996. Jesse was a Christian whose mindset was God first.  He was active in the youth group at Colonial Baptist Church, where he displayed early, his ability to lead.

Jesse enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves, 05/19/1997 after his freshman year at Messiah. After his junior year, he completed OCS. Upon graduation with a B.A. in Communications, June 2000; he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. He believed a good officer must lead by example. He stated, “I want the Marines on my team to follow me out of admiration, not obligation,” Jesse was promoted to Captain prior to Iraqi deployment in 2005. Upon return to the U.S., he attended and graduated from EWS.

He was assigned to the 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, and III Marine Expeditionary Force Okinawa, Japan. Before deployment to Afghanistan, Melton told his mother “I want to go change the world and make a difference, to do something that will bring God Glory." He served about six months in Afghanistan before being KIA 09/09/2008 with three team members by an IED. He was off duty but agreed to substitute for a fellow Marine; whose daughter was born two days later.

Scott W. Shaw was born in Norwood, MA, and grew up in Bourne, MA. He joined the Navy in 1994 and became a Navy Diver. "He was a protector of the vulnerable," says his father, " he would often put bullies in their place.” Scott was an avid snowboarder and hunter and loved anything to do with water. His father remembers a time when Scott was hunting: “He was wearing a ghillie suit (suit of camouflage) he made himself,” said his father. “He went into a field and laid down and fell asleep. He woke up and was surrounded by deer. He jumped up and they all ran away.” Scott is remembered by his wife, Tanya, his children, Shaina, Justine, and Jeremiah, his brother, Kevin, his mother Carol Renaccio, and his father Al Shaw. “We love you Scott and Miss you every Day.”

Veteran of:U. S. Navy 1998-2008War on Terrorism 2001-2008Kosovo 2001-2002Afghanistan 2001-2008 (Multiple Deployments)Iraq 2003-2008 (Multiple Deployments, KIA)Michael completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois in September 1998 and then completed Operations Specialist Training at Fleet Combat Training Center, Atlanta, at Dam Neck, Virginia from September to December 1998. He attended Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal training at NAB Coronado California from January to August 1999, followed by Basic Airborne training at Fort Benning Georgia in September and October 1999. His first assignment was with Seal Team Eight at NAB Little Creek, Virginia from October 1999 to October 2001, and then the Naval Special Warfare Unit Two and Ten from 2001 through 2004, followed by service with Navel Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck, VA from April 2004 until he was killed in action in Iraq on February 4, 2008. On February 4, 2008, the U.S. Navy Seals decided to pay a particular group of terrorists a house call. The area was under heavy fire from both sides. Small mini bombs were dropped to limit destruction and minimize collateral damage. The building the terrorist were in was slightly damaged and helicopters hovered and spun covering the area as the assault team prepared to make entry. Automatic weapons fire was heard from all directions. A canine, trained to detect humans in hiding was sent inside. He showed a negative response. Intelligence indicated there were still suspects inside and the canine was dispatched again. The explosions mixed with the swirling air from the rotor blades never allowed for the air to settle and once more he returned with a negative response. Entry was made to clear the building. The first man through the door was killed with a precision shot to the head by a terrorist in hiding. The constant air movement and heavy odors from explosions had been too much for the dog’s sensitive scent. The second man through the door was shot twice and died quickly from his wounds. The assault team fought their way in and recovered their brothers, stepped back and called in a round of precision bombing. Within minutes the building was leveled, no survivors, no prisoners. The first man through the door was Michael Koch the second was his partner and friend Nate Hardy. They were Seals, part of a very special brotherhood. They were men with families, brothers and sisters, Fathers and …Mothers. Michael earned various Medals throughout his career to include two Bronze Star Medals w/Valor. Michael was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Honoring Evan’s Military Life. We honor Evan for his courage, dedication, and selfless service. He answered the call with strength and integrity, serving something greater than himself. His legacy lives on in the freedom he helped protect and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will never be forgotten.

Wyatt Austin Cypert, age 30 passed away August 31, 2024, in Chania, Greece while on deployment with the U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN NINE serving as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate Third Class. He was stationed at Naval Station Rota, since May 2022. Prior to that he was stationed at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California. Wyatt was a 2013 graduate of Har-Ber High School in Springdale, Arkansas where he competed on the track and swim teams. Wyatt had a big heart and a deep love for his family and friends, and he loved to make people happy, and he loved to make them laugh. He enjoyed traveling, running, biking, and had become an accomplished scuba diver while being stationed and living on the beach in Rota, Spain. We cannot forget his moustache, impeccable, A1 grade, meticulously groomed, and kept to the highest of Naval Sailor moustache standards!

John Ellsworth Hasselbrink died while stationed at Pearl Harbor Naval Base and serving aboard the fast attack submarine USS Illinois (SSN 786). John E had served in the US Navy for over 21 years, the majority of time aboard fast-attack submarines, and was approaching retirement as Chief.

He was on the swim team in high school and won several medals during inter-high school competitions. He had also competed in the Hawaiian Marathon several times. He was awarded the Navy & Marine Corp Commendation Medal by the Navy, among other citations.

Other commands that he had served on were;

USS Topeka (SSN 754) deployed to the International Date Line at the millennium,

USS Columbus (SSN 762) Order of Shellbacks

USS Santa Fe (SSN 763)

COMSUBRON ONE

Seth was an amazing young man who saw good in everyone and everything.  He was a loving dad to his beautiful daughter, Naomi, as well as a loving brother and son.  Seth had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh.  He loved what he did and chose to make the Navy his career.  A health issue sidelined his career as a submariner but he rebounded and joined the EDO Community and excelled there.  He excelled at anything he put his mind to.  Seth's passing blindsided us and we are still reeling from it.  It's something you never get used to but we will forever be grateful for our time with him.

A bathtub and toy ship sparked Joseph’s dreams of a career in the U.S. Navy.  Working through college with only summer jobs and an R.O.T.C. scholarship, he earned a degree in Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and later a master’s degree in Naval Engineering at M.I.T.  Aboard the USS Morrison (FFG-13) he found a love for the open sea. His career took him to Italy, Iraq, Japan and across the U.S. He yearned to experience new places and adventures but retained a devotion to his native Colorado. Joseph, forever curious, had a talent for puzzles (sprung from years of Lego building!) Although ambitious and goal oriented, he was also kindhearted and loving. He strove to be fair in his leadership, worked hard and had high expectations. An adoring father to his son and four legged kin as well, he loved and was well loved, and deeply missed. 

KIA - Helman Province, Afghanistan

Never Forgotten.

 

Keith F. Gillette Jr. was born in Newport, RI, and grew up in Boston, MA. After graduation from Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield, CT, Keith attended the University of Connecticut and Georgetown University School of Dentistry. Keith joined the Navy in 1975 first serving as dental officer in the shore clinic from 1980-1982 and then as the Head of the Dental Clinic on USS Simon Lake. Keith loved the Red Sox and the Celtics, and enjoyed folk music such as Peter, Paul, and Mary. He is remembered by his siblings Glenn and Trudy, his daughters, Jaime, Whitney, and Lindsay, and his son, Cory.

Andre joined the United States Marine Corps in September 2013. After graduating bootcamp, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune Military Base in North Carolina. Andre was deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2018 to Georgian, Europe. His awards included the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Andre was stationed in Warner Robins, GA and quickly moved up in rank becoming a Sergeant in 2017. He inspired many and made a great impact on everyone he encountered. Andre was a proud Marine and was honored to serve his country. On July 31, 2020, Andre was called home. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Aliyah Jani Armstrong. He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife, Kenya Armstrong; two daughters, Alivia Jai and Alissa Joi Armstrong; his parents, Nekesha and Stacy Dunbar, three sisters, Alexus and Daija Dunbar, Jasmaine Coleman; two brothers, Craig (Alexandria) Thomas and Jashun Coleman grandparents, Deloris and Charles Brinson and a host of Aunts, Uncles, cousins nieces and nephews who truly misses him! Until Valhalla, Sgt. Andre J. Armstrong ??

BUDS Class 163. Remembered every day. More than just an Officer and Gentleman. Best person ever.

Submitted with love by his wife,

 

You're Always in our hearts. Love Mother.

Maurice Levon Ray was born on May 21, 1985 in Raleigh, NC. He resided in in Greenville, Mauldin, and Dacusville, SC, graduating in 2004 from Berea High School in Greenville. He lettered in basketball, football, and track and was also elected School Vice President in his senior year. Maurice attended Auburn University for two years before enlisting in the Navy in 2006 where he continued to pursue his college education at Southern Illinois University. He was posthumously was awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in December 2012. Maurice joined the Navy to become a doctor. During his tenure as a Navy Corpsman, he was stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital (MD) and Camp Lejeune (NC). Maurice loved traveling and meeting new people, as well as videos games, snowboarding, scuba diving, any extreme sports, motorcycles, and his cat, Tiffany. Maurice is remembered by his mother and stepfather, Ginger Ray Tadlock and William Ray Tadlock.

Mac was born in Oklahoma. One of four children. He joined the Navy as soon as he could. Like many young men and women, the service changed his life for the good. He was a crew chief for the P2V Neptune, a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. He died in a midair collision with a Crusader jet that had been practicing touch and goes off an aircraft carrier in the inter coastal waterway in Jacksonville, Florida.