Chris was very excited to join the Navy, Chris was so proud to graduate from Great Lakes and so proud to wear the uniform. Chris had his first deployment to Okinawa and was very excited to go. after he tour of duty he was sent to Port Hueneme in California and was also very excited to back in the states. A tragic accident occurred while at Port Hueneme and Chris was succumbed from the injuries. Chris was a proud seaman and a fun loving kid with many friends and family. Missed every day.
Our hearts will always miss you!
Mamma Misses You So Much My Love.
(Nuclear Submarine Electrician. Top of her class!)
Joel was born in Georgia. He loved the Navy and serving his country. He was married for 25 years and has two beautiful daughters.
(lovingly submitted by his wife, Lisa McCoy)
Jayton Daniel Patterson of Sedley, Va. was born on August 9, 1978. He was the firstborn son of Frank and Sharon Patterson. Jayton shared a loving relationship with his sister Mattie and brother Hunter. He engaged in all sports during his childhood and teen years - hunting, fishing, baseball, football and basketball. He was an active member of Millfield Baptist Church and was known as a soldier of God.
After graduating high school from Tidewater Academy, he attended college prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1999 and re-enlisted in 2003. Jayton trained in Parris Island, and then went on to serve his first 4 years as part of the White House Security Detail in Washington, D. C. Stationed at 8th and I Marine Barracks, he marched proudly in the Evening Parades. He was an elite Marine who had toured the Pentagon and the World Trade Center with President Bush after the September 11th attacks. He found the love of his life, married Stephanie Bays of Wakefield on February 15, 2003 and they were blessed on October 15 with a beautiful daughter, Claire.
Jayton was transferred to Camp Lejeune in August 2003. He deployed with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Bravo Company, Weapons Platoon, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in July 2004 to Iraq. Jayton was killed by an IED explosion in the Anbar Province of Iraq on January 15, 2005. He died a hero, serving his country and protecting our freedom. Semper Fi.
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.
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
'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.'
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
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
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
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.
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.
