Navy Gold Star Program Information & Resource Site

Navy Gold Star is the Navy’s official program for providing long-term support to surviving families of Sailors who pass while on Active Duty. If you are visiting this page because you are a surviving family member of a deceased service member, please accept our most heartfelt sympathy and gratitude for your loved one’s service and sacrifice in defending our nation . . .

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Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Navy Gold Star Coordinators provide support to families around the world. Find a coordinator near you.

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Navy Gold Star Tributes

SSG

John A. Reiners

13 Feb 2010

John A. Reiners was born in Haines City, FL on 12/23/1985. His first duty station was at the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division (Light fighters) at Fort Drum, NY. During his time at Fort Drum, he was able to serve two different tours, honorably, as a United States army Infantryman, in Iraq once during the “Surge” in 2005 and then again in 2007 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His second duty station took him 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division (Ivy Division) at Fort Carson, CO. He was afforded the chance to become squad leader and lead Soldiers into Combat action in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. On February 13, 2010, Staff Sergeant Reiners was killed in action, as a hero, in Zhari Province. His wounds were sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with improvised explosives devices (IED).

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Allison Oubre

19 May 2009

LT Allison Marie Oubre was born in Athens, Greece, to Don and Judy Oubre. She primarily grew up in Slidell, LA, where she graduated from Pope John Paul II school. Allison joined the military in 2003 after attending college at Vanderbilt University. Her parents say she wanted to be a Navy pilot, nurse, and lawyer when she grew up. During Allison’s time in the Navy, she served as a Navy helicopter pilot. Growing up, she enjoyed playing soccer and tennis and was also a Girl Scout. She was fearless and had an adventurous spirit. She ran with the bulls in Spain, jumped 50 feet into the water off a cliff in Hawaii, loved kayaking, and of course being a Navy pilot. She is remembered as a gregarious, sweet, and adventurous person by her parents, Don and Judy, and brother, David.

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EMFA

Michael Jamel Jakes, Jr.

04 Dec 2001

Our son Michael (EMFA -Electricians Mate Fireman Apprentice), affectionately known as Jamel was a proud member of the United States Navy. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his shipmates (onboard the USS Kitty Hawk) and worked on his qualifications with fervor. He was known as one who was eager to learn and serve His country, which prompted one of his commanding officers to remark, "That man was raised right." He was appreciated by his division, and performed his duties with talent and enthusiasm.

Jamel will best be remembered as a fun-loving, quick-witted young man who enjoyed seeing the lighter side of life. He was a leader among his peers and was looked up to by family and friends alike. He especially loved and adored his sisters.

His loss at the outset of Operation Enduring Freedom (being the 6^th casualty) was a devasting blow, yet we are and have been comforted with divine strength and are encouraged with the knowledge that his life touched so many. To us, as it is inscribed on his headstone, he was ‘outstanding’.

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AW2

Tony Lehman

01 Jan 2004

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PS1

Xavier Martin

17 Jun 2017

Xavier lived his life with the moto "Its me and my dad against the the world. I am the only person he can depend on and vice versa"! My favorite memory was the look in his face when he got his 1st car and when he and I got matching tattoos. I just want the entire world to know who he was and not just some nuts and bolts on the ship! And that he was my best friend, son and little brother I never had.

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Joseph D’Amico, Jr.

12 Feb 2021

A Lewes, Delaware native, Joseph also held an Associate in Applied Science - Turf Management Degree from Delaware Technical and Community College. Prior to joining the Navy, Joseph used his education with work on golf courses and in pest control. But he had the most fun spending many summers in the concession stand at a local waterpark.? He was a talented athlete who enjoyed analyzing and watching sports as much as playing them. He loved the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, and Wawa, but hated that he couldn’t get a good hoagie or a Yuengling in Southern California. When he wasn’t on duty, Joseph enjoyed playing golf and finding new ways to experiment in the kitchen.

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials

Carol & Andrea

Mrs. Jackson, you're such a blessing. We don't feel forgotten after our loss anymore. We greatly appreciate the moral support you provided to us. Thank you very much for all you do. Carol & Andrea

Judi and Pat, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.

We were very happy to see Gold Star Navy in the Resource Room at the Snowball Express in Dallas Texas. Rufus and Stephanie provided valuable information and also helped in the event. Thank you for being there for us.

Gold Star Dad

Thanks Sabrina for your greatful assistance in obtaining gold star pins for me and my family. We do appreciate your hard work in making this possible.

Delrio Family

Thank you very much for everything Erick it was a pleasure to meet you in person, I hope that we are able to maintain communication with the Navy Gold Star program that represents so much satisfaction and happiness for us to unite with other families. Hugs

Gold Star Family

Susanna, thanks for all you do for the Gold Star Families. . .encouraging Dolores to submit a tribute for our son Rene was just another example of how you are always reaching out to care for and encourage family members to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.Thank you! Bill & Dolores

Gold Star Spouse, California

As a survivor of a military serviceman, I'm so pleased for all of you in supporting and caring for those who have lost their love ones like mine. Your kindness and cooperation is being appreciated.

KRIS ROMEO BISHUNDAT'S FAMILY

Patricia you are perfect for the job you do with the Gold Star Families. Talking to you over the phone felt like I have known you before and meeting you in person validate my feelings. After almost 14 years it means something special to meet other parents and families who have walked our path and the others who are now on that long painful journey our prayers are with all to find comfort.Gold Star Mom and Dad, Maryland

Gold Star Family

'This was a great experience for me. I am so glad I did it. I appreciate all of the work and coordination from everyone involved. Thanks for your program. It meant a lot to me and my husband. We were taken on a tour of the hanger, meet some of the men now in the squadron, and had a very nice time. Thank you very much Sandra.'