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

CAPT

Patrick Mueller

07 Aug 2014

Patrick R. Mueller was born in Buffalo, NY, and graduated from Jefferson High School. Pat enlisted in the Navy in 1977 as a Teletype Repairman, and later became a Restricted Line Officer of Communications. It was always Pat’s goal to own a Harley Davidson repair shop in retirement. He loved riding his Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle and was a huge sports fan (football, baseball and ice hockey). Other hobbies he enjoyed were eating Twizzlers, napping and playing with his grandchildren. When Pat would return home from work, he would always yell out “Honey, I’m home,” and his children would run into his arms. Pat honorably and faithfully served our great nation for 37 years. He is remembered by his wife, Cathy, his children, Tara, Caitlin and Ryan, and three grandchildren. He’s also missed by his siblings. He was predeceased by his mother and father.

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Airman Apprentice

Natalie Garcia

03 Oct 2025

Natalie had a light you couldn’t ignore—warm, genuine, unforgettable. She made people feel seen and valued, even in fleeting moments. Her smile radiated kindness, her presence, comfort, and her strength was unmistakable. Yellow, her favorite color, fit her perfectly: bright, joyful, full of warmth. She brought sunshine to everyone around her, leaving more than memories—she leaves a legacy. She was deeply loved by her mother, Roxanne and stepfather Louis, her sisters Lillian and Naturale, her grandparents Rich and Doreen, and her uncle Richard and aunts Faith, Tanya, and Sonya, whose bond with her was unbreakable and filled with love. The laughter, love, and effortless gestures she shared will remain with us. Natalie will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her spirit endures in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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Ethan Eric Dumbuya

11 Sep 2021

Ethan Eric Dumbuya left Freetown, Sierra Leone for the U.S in March 2018 and attended North Hagerstown High School in Hagerstown, Maryland where he graduated with high school diploma.
Because of his admiration for the U.S Military, he enlisted for military duty in December 2020, at Naval Station Great Lakes, Chicago, Illinois. He was proud to enter boot camp as a seaman recruit and upon successful completion, he graduated in March, 2021.
Ethan found pleasure in helping people including his shipmates which gave him the greatest joy.
He was passionate about the less fortunate children in our society and had plans of establishing a foundation to help less privileged school age children reach their fullest potential through education. Unfortunately, he passed away on Sept 11, 2021 in Dam Neck, Oceana VA before he was able to accomplish his vision.
His Cheerful attitude and infectious smile will be missed by his family, friends and all those he encountered.

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CPO

Arthur Joseph Thumann

09 Aug 1942

We honor him always and especially this month as a Gold Star Casualty. He was a World War II Era casualty on August 9, 1942 on the USS Quincy (CA-39). He was a Chief Petty Officer Electrician's Mate. MIA Status and his last recorded location was Waters off Savo Island, Solomon Islands, South Pacific

COMMENDATIONS

Purple Heart

Combat Action Ribbon

World War II Victory Medal

American Campaign Medal

Navy Presidential Unit Citation

Navy Good Conduct Medal

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

Navy Expeditionary Medal

He leaves a long legacy behind, his only daughter, Patricia is 88, 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.

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PO1

Kristofer L Guy

03 Mar 2015

The light of PO1 Kristofer L Guy’s life was his children. Lovingly protective of them, they still talk about “our Daddy”. Raised in a small East Texas town, he was the third of four children and an only son. He loved football and baseball and was named MVP of his high school baseball team his senior year. He served his country proudly.

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SWCCC

Jason Huber

18 Oct 2019

Jason was my best friend. Having grown up in the same small town together, we had the same references and the same sense of humor (many didn't understand it!). Because of this we could keep each other entertained for days....no matter how long the car ride or how long we waited places together, like hospitals when he got sick, we could find things to make each other laugh. There is no comparison! Jason loved our daughter, Soni Elizabeth, so much. When she was tiny, he didn't trust anyone to hold her. I know even now; he is looking down protecting she and Albie. Albie didn't get to know Jason the way Soni did, but I pray her humor, that I know she gets from Jason, rubs off on Albie and the two of them will carry a part of him forever.

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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.'