Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Benjamin Alan Brunner proudly served as an Engineman on the USS Pearl Harbor LSD 52 in San Diego, CA.  He automatically advanced to Engineman third class in A-School for his superb work ethic.  He checked in aboard the Pearl on August 1, 2018.  In a little over 6 months Ben quickly qualified in Cold Iron Watch, Repair Parts Petty Officer, Electronic Shift Operations, Management Systems Operator and Advanced Damage Control.  He was also an active participant in the community relations project with Door of Hope Women's Shelter in San Diego.  

Ben was never happier than when he had grease under his fingernails working on an engine of some sort. He spent much time and a few choice words working on trucks, cars and  motorcycles.  His beautiful smile will forever be remembered and missed.  Fair Winds and Following Seas until we meet again on Heaven's Shores Son.

Lt. Cory J. Ridge was born and raised in Maple Valley, Washington. While attending Tahoma High School, he demonstrated his ability as an outstanding student and talented athlete, and he was a dedicated volunteer who served on mission trips to Mexico. After graduation, he applied and was selected to attend the United States Naval Academy, where he received his degree in Astronautical Engineering and officer commission in the Spring of 2009.  He was selected for the Voluntary Graduate Education Program, and he subsequently earned his Master of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland.  Cory later earned his Wings of Gold in 2011 returned to his home state to join VP-1 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. 

Cory was extremely popular in the squadron amongst peers, subordinates, and officers with whom he worked on deployment. While at VP-1 he was a model Aviator and Officer, a leader among his peers, and one of the finest young talents in his field. He was highly regarded for his professionalism and robust tactical and aeronautical knowledge—as well as for being a great leader and a bright, fun-loving friend.

Pat, who amidst obstacles and adversities, served selflessly with a purpose other than his own. He was the ninja warrior and night watchman who had your back and ensured the safety of everyone else first before himself. He is a guardian angel who continues to protect and guard his family members, bears the shining light to guide them and makes it known to them that he is safe and at peace. His family and friends remember the warrior, the sailor, the son, the brother and the friend. Pat is forever etched in their hearts!

Corpsman Dustin Burnett, born August 17th, 1988, in Riverside, CA, was a remarkable young man whose compassion and empathy touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Growing up in Fort Mohave, AZ, Dustin became a steadfast defender of the underdog, always putting others before himself. Known affectionately as TEX by his friends and teammates, Dustin played football all four years at Mohave High School, leaving a lasting impression both on and off the field. Thanksgiving was Dustin's favorite holiday—a time for food, laughter, and cherished moments with family, which he treasured deeply. At just 19 years old, Dustin gave his life as a Navy Corpsman, courageously serving in Afghanistan and making the ultimate sacrifice on June 20th, 2008. His bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten. Dustin is missed beyond words, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the legacy he left.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1994 as an Intelligence Specialist, and was later awarded a commission as Ensign through Officer Candi-date School, March 8, 1996. John was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade, March 8, 1998 and Lieutenant, April 1, 2000. Lieu-tenant Skop was first assigned as the Air Intelligence Officer at Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-5 located in San Diego, CA from January 1997 to October 1998. He served on the USS NIM-ITZ CVN 68 for a 6-month deployment and participated in OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH in early 1998 with the CVW-9 Intelligence Team. His next assignment brought him to the Special Warfare community to SEAL Team ONE as the Intelli-gence Officer from October 1998 to January 2001. Lieutenant Skop reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training on January 10, 2001. During his naval career, Lieutenant Skop was decorated with numerous awards, He par-ticipated in basketball, soccer, volleyball, football, track and Tae Kwon Do during his high school years. He continued to run and weight train in subsequent years and participated in races that included triathlons and mudruns. He owned a motorcycle which he rode with his parents on road trips when they visited him in San Diego. His career decisions were based on wanting to make a difference in this world.

Father - John A. Skop, Sr. Mother - Carol L. Skop Sister - Rachel R. Skop

LCDR Charles "JTACz" Z Walker was an amazing and dedicated pilot (TopGun graduate), loyal friend, and perfect partner. Born in Santa Clara, CA, he grew up in Fairfax, VA with two loving parents, who are retired Naval Officers themselves. He had one of the most epic mustaches in the fighter pilot game. Charles put more thought into things he did and said than most, to the extent that he exemplified being a very composed, put together, super determined and hard working man. He was extremely thoughtful, very sweet, silly funny, dependable, hyper-intelligent, and too humble about it all. More than anything else, he loved his family. We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives.

A million times we've needed you A million times we've cried If love alone could have saved you never would you have died In life we loved you dearly In death we love you still In our hearts you hold a place No one else will ever fill It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone Part of us went with you the day God took you home