Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Broken Chain

We little knew that evening that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

  By: Ron Tranmer

As we sit here today, remembering our son, Todd Ethington, gone from us to his Heavenly Home so many years ago, it seems only yesterday that we received our last phone call from him. He always ended his calls with I Love you, tell Dad the same. Todd was always such a old soul, starting his first job throwing papers, at the age of Eleven, and continued his work ethics, through high school, playing varsity basketball. He joined the Navy, serving on the P3 aircraft, quickly raising to the rank of Senior Chief. He was born on October 12, 1968, and passed away on October 10th, 2007. He loved the Navy, and during his passing Harold and I understood, after meeting with his crew, why he loved serving with them. God Bless all our military for their unwavering protection and sacrifice, Harold and Joan Ethington.

Charlie was born to run. Top miler and ran for Indiana University. When he broke the 4-minute mile, “Mom, I’m in the best shape of my life….I’m going to BUDs to be a Navy SEAL”. Charlie was a member of SEAL Team 3 and SEAL Team 1 when he died fighting hundreds of ISIS terrorists. Charlie will always be remembered as a fun loving, funny, athletic, adventurous man who loved our country. He is missed everyday.

The Citadel Class of 2009

Born in Wichita Falls, TX, Steven joined the Navy as an Ensign and served aboard the USS Ramage, USS Normandy, COMOPTEVFOR, and the USS Stethem. He enjoyed his deployments and visiting foreign ports, but loved his family. He was a proud father of 2 boys and loved taking them to the park and on walks. He enjoyed every breath he took and always had a smile on his face. Steven enjoyed his time in the Navy, exploring foreign ports on deployments, and excelling at his many jobs. He could make his sons, Alex and Nathan laugh better than anyone.

Survived By:

Spouse: Patty Hopkins

Children: Alex 7 and Nathan 5

Hopkins Parents: Laura and Lyle Hopkins

Pets: Golden Retrivers, Milo 11 and Rascal 9

EMC Walters of Pensacola, FL devoted over 18 years to the world's greatest Navy. He was a devoted sailor and enjoyed exploring the world. He began his career by decommissioning the USS John F. Kennedy, then moved to the USS Essex in Sasebo, Japan. He enjoyed shore duty at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in GA where he earned Shore Junior Sailor of the Year for COMSUBLANT. After this he went back to sea duty with Assault Craft Unit Two where he and eventually earned his Craft master qualification (his favorite job in the Navy!) He finished his career as an RDC at Recruit Training Command, preparing the next generation of sailors for the fleet. This was his second most favorite job, despite the rigorous hours. Austin loved music, grilling, cold beer, good cigars, being outside, nights around a bonfire, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a simple guy and enjoyed the little things in life. Above all else, he was a devoted and loving father to three beautiful girls who miss him dearly. Til Valhalla.