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

PO2

Joshua Lipstein

15 Mar 2011

Joshua “Josh” Lipstein always wanted to serve in the military, says his father Don. A graduate of Mt. Pleasant high school in Delaware, Josh served in the JROTC. He joined the Navy in 2005 and became a Master at Arms in the Riverine Squadron in Iraq where he served for two deployments. "He was an easy person to love and to be around," said Don. “I can't imagine an easier child to raise." Josh, who was raised in Wilmington DE, loved nothing more than a crab feast and a cold beer. He loved participating and watching all sports – especially the Philadelphia Eagles. Josh is remembered by his wife, Leslie, his daughter, Jayden, his brother and sister, Andrew Lipstein and Emily Cheeseman, and his father, Don Lipstein. Josh’s mother, Melinda, is deceased.

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YNSN

Darica Slaughter

12 Sep 2021

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Navy Brat and devoted Sailor.

Darica would attend grade school in Brownsburg, Indiana and Millington, TN. She was a member of the band, choir and would take up piano and tennis as hobbies. She graduated from Kadena High School in Okinawa, Japan in 2021; where she was a National Honor Society Member. She also played high school golf, worked part-time at Chilis and completed college courses on base with UMGC.

Darica, joined the military just 2 days after her 18th birthday. Darica, would go on to receive high marks during training making her a candidate for early advancement. Her, first and only duty station was NAS Sigonella, Italy before untimely death in September 2021.

Darica leaves behind a loving mother, father, grandmother and siblings who miss her dearly!

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Brandon Thurber

10 Nov 2018

SN Brandon Thurber was born January 28th 2000 and lost his life on November 10th 2018. He grew up in Palm Bay, Fl . Brandon was a very selfless person. He joined the Navy Sea Cadet Program when he was 9 and spent his free time feeding homeless Veterans with our local National Homeless Veteran Services. He dreamed of being in the military and Navy Sea Cadets got him on the path of computers through the Cyber Patriots Program. He graduated high school through the early graduation program with high honors. He spent his 17th birthday at MEPS. He enjoy his short career as a Cryptologic Technician Receiver. Brandon looked forward to helping his little brother learn and explore computer and programming. When Brandon had free time he would spend it helping his little brother with karate / MMA, teaching him computers, watching the New England Patriots and cooking. Brandons loves were his brother, his homeless veterans and his motorcycle. Brandon was a Seaman in the United States Navy.

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PO3

James Bradley

30 Oct 2019

My son was an amazing son, brother and Uncle! He was always trying to help everyone. He was also a great friend!My son was an amazing son, brother and Uncle! He was always trying to help everyone. He was also a great friend!

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HM1

John Garcia

24 Oct 2020

John Garcia had an extraordinary life. He was a loving, hard-working, hilarious person and made a positive impact on so many people’s lives. John was devoted to his family, the San Francisco 49ers and the Navy. For 20 years, he served his country proudly and loved what he did. He was also a great father to his princess Julianna and his Best Buddy Gavin. There is nothing he would not have done for his two babies. The love he had for me, as his wife, was endless. Through happiness and complete sadness, he stood by my side and was my rock. Lastly, if you knew John you knew he was a Niners fan, he made sure of that and was proud of it. Whatever he loved, he loved full heartedly.

John, thank you for lighting up all of our lives with your endless humor, dedication and love. We ALL miss you & pray we are making you proud!!!

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CPO

Raymond “Ray” Newton

26 Nov 2021

Ray “Boats” had many impressive accomplishments during his service. Winning the Admiral Zumwalt Award, twice, serving aboard the USS Curtis Wilbur, USS Spruance, being a part of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami relief efforts just to name a few. Ray was energy, he could light up any room. Those who love him are reminded of his impact in the songs we hear, the smiles of those we love and friends we have yet to meet, in Sailors who have yet to join the service. Ray was so many things to so many people, above all he was laughter, a helping hand and a friend to anyone. How do you harness something like the moon and all the stars? If you had the pleasure of meeting him, you know Ray was the moon and stars wrapped up in one. When a life such as this touches you, you are forever changed.?

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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

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.

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 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.'

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 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.

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