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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.

Navy Gold Star Tributes


U.S. Navy
LTJG
Aaron Fowler
17 Apr 2022

Aaron Fowler lived his first 18 years in Tulsa, OK, where he was born. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy, he was selected for service with EOD. He took 1 ½ years to earn a Masters in Arabic Studies @ Georgetown University then completed the two-year EOD training pipeline before reporting for duty in San Diego in January of 2022. The three things most important to Aaron were the gospel of Jesus Christ, community and challenges, in that order! He found ways to work all three of these together no matter where he was or what he was doing. He located a community of Christians at the Naval Academy which led to two years of missions work in North Africa. He utilized every opportunity to travel around the world, but his destination in the US was Washington, DC, where he connected frequently with friends and roommates from his home church. Aaron is missed by his parents and three brothers as well as many friends and family around the globe.  We are thankful for his Navy family's remembrance of him on this earth, and we are comforted by the thought that his name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, NEVER to be forgotten!

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U.S. Navy
Petty Officer 1st Class
John Michael Miller
17 Feb 2021

Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) John Michael Miller was born on November 17th, 1981, the only child of John H. and Lanita (Sconce) Miller Smith in Columbia, Missouri. Known as “John” in the Navy, “Michael” by his family, and “Mike” by his buds, he was respected and loved by all. 

 

Sports and the Navy were his life. Between playing soccer from the age of 7, to making the all-state team in high school, he knew sports, both college and pros. An avid fan of the Jayhawk Men's basketball, St. Louis Cardinals, and pro basketball and soccer, his knowledge of different sports and players amazed others.

 

Michael was so highly successful in his Navy Career that at the time of his death, he had qualified for an early promotion [Chief Petty Officer]. All the while, he never let his family know of his Navy success or high security clearance.

 

Michael was a giver and team player even in the Navy. He gave the gift of life in death, through organ donation. He was a loving and fabulous son and a friend to many. Our hearts are still broken at his passing. 

Michael passed away tragically on February 17, 2021. 
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U.S. Navy
PO2
Athan Allen
16 Aug 2008

Athan grew up in a small town called Nederland, Tx and graduated in 2000. Athan grew up playing sports mainly soccer and football. He achieved the Eagle Scout rank by age 16 and joined the Navy in 2001. After schooling at Great Lakes, he trained with the Marines in NC. He finished his schooling at Pensacola in Aviation Medicine in 2003 and was assigned to NAS Lemoore, Ca. He met his wife Catherine and was married in 2005. Their daughter Cailey was born in December 2005. While assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln he was part of the crew that helped the people affected by the tsunami in 2004. He enjoyed working with the pilots and loved going with them on trainings. Sadly his last training was at AF base Elmendorf, Ak.

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U.S. Navy
PO1
Alexander M. Vernon
15 Sep 2025

PO1 Navy Corpsman Alexander Vernon was kind, loving, and deeply thoughtful, with a gentle spirit that touched everyone he met. His giving nature was evident in the way he helped others without being asked and in the simple, genuine warmth he shared through a smile or kind word. Intelligent and quick-witted, he brought light and laughter wherever he went.  He had a special love for animals, especially kittens, reflecting the same compassion he showed to others. To his family, his mom, dad, and sister, he was a constant source of pride, joy, and love and was loved beyond words. His kindness, humor, and generous heart remain with all who knew him.  Alexander will never be forgotten and always remembered with love, respect, and honor. He is survived by his loving parents, Michael and Dawn, and his sister, Emily Coyle, and her husband, Eric, along with their children, Evelyn and Ethan.

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U.S. Navy
AWR1
Jason M. (JRod) Rodriguez
21 Sep 2017
Jason was born into a military family in Dover, Delaware. He was an avid wrestler, and body builder. Jason chose SAR because he wanted to save lives. He was also an organ donor, and his donations saved several people. He is remembered fondly by all who ever met him.
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U.S. Navy
Lieutenant
Luke Brett Moody
24 Jun 2018
Raised in Siler City, NC, Luke B. Moody attended Jordan Matthews High School. He played football and baseball and was a member of the National Beta Club. After graduation, Luke attended NC State University where he earned his BS in Environmental Science with a minor in Naval Studies. He was a member of the NCSU ROTC program and an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. “He was a true leader and a gentleman,” said his mother. After college, Luke joined the Navy. While stationed at Whiting Field, Pensacola, FL, Luke began his career as a Navy helicopter pilot. After Pensacola, he was stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, VA, with Sea Combat Squadron Two Six, where he would obtain the rank of Lieutenant. Luke loved bodybuilding, flying his MH-60 Sierra helicopter, riding his motorcycle and dirt bike, nutrition therapy, and most of all, “for his warm gentle hugs.” He enjoyed target shooting, hunting, fishing, spear fishing, kayaking, and spending time with family and friends. He is remembered by his mother and stepfather, Crystal and Bill Harman, his father and stepmother, Thomas and LaDonna Moody, his brother, Zachary and his sisters, Logan, Christian, and Mary.
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Navy Gold Star Testimonials