Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

My son, Ensign Samuel S. Cleghorn, was taken from us way too soon. On October 3, 2020, a drunk driver ended his physical life. This person spent 10  years in the Air Force. My son was commissioned May 1, 2020 and had been at his assigned base for 6 weeks.  All his life, he dreamed of serving the United States of America in the Navy. He was dedicated, loyal and proud to serve this nation, if only for a short time.

Sam was the glue that held his friends and military colleagues together. He always reached out to study or enjoy leisure time with friends and built strong relationships among everyone.  His smile was always the same; big, bright and often! His eyes twinkled every time he smiled. His love for family was deep.  Sam experienced life to its fullest by sailing, scuba diving, target shooting, and playing video games. As a child he experienced every sport. It's as if he knew somehow, he needed to enjoy each and every day as if it were his last.

He graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in Criminology, a minor in History and at the same time, completed his Naval studies at Jacksonville University.  He fought hard to become a Commissioned Navy Officer. Our hearts are heavy as we navigate our days without him. At the same time, I'm grateful for his time on earth and proud to have been his mom.

Born in Boston, MA, Gerald W. Turner, Jr, grew up in Maryland, the youngest and only brother of five.  In 2018 following Bootcamp, he was assigned to the USS Peralta, in San Diego where he displayed amazing work ethics. Recognized out of 350 sailors as Lava Dog of the Month, December 2019, cited for "outstanding performance…a motivated, positive, and promising young sailor...a bright soul in the room, first to volunteer for the toughest jobs.", his Commander wrote.  He enjoyed the camaraderie of his shipmates he fondly referred to as his “brothers” and spent many of those days being a protective and supportive big brother as he was all of 21.  Deployed in January 2020, he was later promoted to Gunner's Mate, 3rd Class, training with the Weapon's Department, responsible for operating and performing maintenance on all weapons onboard.  While "Gerry" manned the ship's helm, navigating the East China Sea, his Commander asked how deployment was going, he could’ve said anything, he impressed his Commander by simply saying, “It is fine. We’re all going to be just fine”.

Gerry, aka JJ, was a fun-loving, prankster who laughed A LOT.  He loved music, gaming, but mostly eating.  He wasn’t a complainer; he lived life.  He was supportive, encouraging, and would do anything for you without needing to be asked.  He was a strong, level-headed young man with character and conviction who lovingly helped his mother and his sisters a much as he could.  He was an amazing son, brother, uncle, and friend!

In Honor of our True life Hero Erik Jr.

Thank you for being part of all of our lives 

For showing us the definition of determination and of never giving up! You are so missed Everyday..

You will forever live in all of our hearts. We love you beyond words. mom.dad.keith..nicole.sadierose and all ur family and friends..Fly  High Baby E. Thank u for ur service to the United States Navy

Our daughter Karli was a beautiful, caring, smart and funny young woman. She had a smile that could light up world. She loved her family and friends beyond measure. She looked up to her older siblings Samantha, Jaime and James. They inspired her to be her best self. Her little brother Jacob and sister Bella were the light of her life. She would go out of her way to cheer you up if you were down. Karli was the “social butterfly” of our family. She was the last one to finish eating dinner because she loved to talk about what she did that day or what was going on at the moment. Karli was a diehard Green Bay Packers fan and loved NASCAR. She was very spontaneous and could put some miles on her car. She lived life to the fullest and was not afraid of a challenge.

Karli’s life was really just beginning. She had fallen in love and was about to become a mommy for the first time. She loved her job in the Honor Guard and all those she worked with. Everything was coming together for her the way she had dreamed. 

Karli is loved and missed by so many. She made us all so very proud. Karli Mae James you will never be forgotten.

I’ll love you forever,

Mom