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

AE3

Brandon Caserta

25 Jun 2018

Aviation Electrician Third Class Brandon Caserta was a proud US Navy sailor. Brandon was known by those who served alongside him as one of the hardest-working members of his command. He brought energy, determination, and a deep sense of responsibility to everything he did. His radiant smile could light up a room, and his kindness made others feel seen, valued, and welcome. He was a loyal friend and a devoted son who truly cared for others. Brandon had a natural way of lifting people up and leaving a lasting impression. His legacy lives on through The Brandon Act, a law created in his honor to ensure service members can confidentially seek mental health care. Because of Brandon, lives are being changed and barriers are being broken. Though his loss is deeply felt, his story continues to inspire hope. He will always be remembered, honored, and never forgotten.

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Serena Wileman

15 Oct 2024

To know Serena is to know love. Her gregarious heart, earnest curiosity, radiant kindness, and radical resilience were just a few of the many gifts and lessons she left to her family, community, and all those she met. We remember with tenderness and gratitude the fierceness and determination of her spirit, the brightness of her laughter (which still echoes in our hearts) and the generosity and wholeness of her loving presence. The impact of her care, her smile, and her character matched the depth of her beauty, boldness and bravery. In all life’s endeavors, she was committed to giving her whole self. Serena died too soon in a training accident with her friend Lyndsay who she shared a matching tattoo with: appropriately including their legacy “Little Acts of Kindness”. She is incredibly missed by her mom, Lisa, her brother Joe and his family, her sister Teresa, and her brother Mitch.

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HM3

Luke Luong Ellison

19 Aug 2014

Throughout his service with the Navy, Luke practiced the qualities of being a hospital man in his compassion, service dedication and kind demeanor. He was born April 14, 1990 in Vietnam and died August 19, 2014 at Beaufort SC.

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Chadwick "Doc" Thomas Kenyon

20 Aug 2006

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LTC

Livingston Hickling

24 Jul 2020

LTC Livingston Hickling loved to serve the country. He was a truly infantryman, he treasured his time as an enlisted soldier after transitioning to become an Officer. He was very proud of his Ranger tab. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. He served as an AGR in the Hawaii National Guard, his last assignment was at NGB in Arlington Virginia. He was very private about personal life but was a loyal friend and a good listener. He was a great husband and an excellent father. He loved World History and was an avid reader. He always planned special birthdays for the family but didn't like to celebrate his. He enjoyed to serve others and always been behind the scene working hard to "accomplish the task" one of his favorite things to say was " if you are going to jump off a cliff, go face first to enjoy the view". He got a sudden diagnosed esophageal cancer and passed away two months later on August 3rd 2020. He was 41 years old. He is buried in section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Seaman

Cherone Gunn

12 Oct 2000

Cherone followed his dad's footsteps and joined the U.S. Navy in January 2000. He planned to use his military experience to go in law enforcement. He was a very lovable and affectionate child and young man. Cherone was killed in the terrorist attack of the USS Cole. Before 9/11 there was 10/12.

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials

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

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

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.

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 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.'