Stephen L. Rodriguez
The essence and impact of human beings are easier felt and often better understood after passing. The state of mind experienced when they are no longer in our midst renders life unintelligible and creates long term conflict with our emotions and, ultimately, in the lasting mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing of us, the families we raise and nurture as well as in the manner we enjoy our present way of life as we aim to protect existing and future generations at all costs. Why? Because the sacrifice made is worth it!!
For his absence to be bearable and available to our next generation, we must consciously continue training and growing leaders with integrity and substance. Leaders who possess unwavering empathy for others in respectful and fair ways. Leaders with unconventional resourcefulness and collective vision to serve others. And above all, leaders with uncompromising conviction and courage to accomplish a mission regardless of its complexity, magnitude and overall difficulty.
Our son Stephen “Rod” had these qualities and so much more. He was such a leader and more. May his soul and that of his military service brothers and sisters rest in peace and forever be in the grace of God, Amen.
Navy Gold Star Tributes
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jake was the gatekeeper of nicknames, lover of animals, and a damn good dad. Known for his funny personality, selfless heart, and cranky attitude if he didn’t get enough sleep; a true gem in the world we lost too soon.
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.
(submitted by his loving wife, Mylene)
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
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.