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

Riley Gallinger-Long

11 Aug 2011

Navy Hospital Corpsman Riley Gallinger-Long

Died August 11, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom.

He was 19 years old and assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

He was KIA on Aug. 11, 2011, in Marjah district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting a dismounted patrol.

After his death, a local park in his hometown of Cornelius, OR was dedicated as Veterans Memorial Park to honor all service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice. See the news article here: https://www.oregonlive.com/forest-grove/2012/06/cornelius_dedicates_park_to_ve.html”

Writtten by Zack Gallinger-Long, Gold Star Sibling

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AWV1 (NAC/AW)

Thomas Michael Valenzuela

09 Jan 2023

As a Naval Aircrewman - Avionics (AWV), Thomas was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Fleet Air Recon Squadron ONE (VQ-1) “WORLD WATCHERS!” He served as a member aboard maritime patrol/reconnaissance aircraft. Thomas was knowledgeable as he also performed primary in-flight and ground duties as an aircraft In-Flight Technician. Thomas went on to achieve the rate AWV2 – on the EP-3E. Thomas enjoyed many hobbies during his free time. He liked tinkering with automobiles, playing video games, building computer gaming systems, and reading books. He also enjoyed driving and listening to music, big bonfires, and collecting and shooting various firearms. He loved being outside and went on many outdoor adventures.

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Staff Sergeant

Mark Stets Jr.

03 Feb 2010

Mark A. Stets Jr. grew up in Virginia Beach, VA. After high school, he followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the Navy. After completing a tour in the Navy, he joined Army Psychological Operations. He deployed to Pakistan from 4th Group, 8th Battalion at Fort Bragg in 2009. He was based in Islamabad, but traveled throughout the country, training Pakistani soldiers. He was killed by a VIED on February 3, 2010. Mark earned many military awards, including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Metal and the Combat Action Badge. The Senior Leader Course for Psychological Operations at the NCO Academy at Fort Bragg awards the Staff Sergeant Mark A. Stets Jr. Leadership Award to the course participant that exemplifies the outstanding qualities of a leader. Mark’s parents, Mark and Nancy, are honored to present the Award in his name. He is remembered by his wife, Nina, his three daughters, Jessica, December and Rachael, and his paretns, Nancy and Mark.

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PO3

Corneilius Brown

24 Apr 2021

My son Corneilius Donte' Brown was a humble, funny, and caring person. He never met a stranger, he always had a smile on his face, even if he was having a bad day. Corneilius a great personality and he stayed positive. I was told he encouraged others when they were on their 10 month deployment. Corneilius was my ONLY child! My son was my sunshine.

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Paul Fridley

31 Aug 2021

Lieutenant Paul Fridley was lost at sea on August 31, 2021 while conducting flight operations aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) off the coast of San Diego. His aircraft suffered a mechanical failure shortly after landing resulting in the loss of all five crew members.

Paul was born in Rota, Spain and grew up in Annandale, Virginia. Paul came from a proud Navy family where both his grandfathers, his father and both of his sisters all served in the Navy.

Paul was an outstanding student attending W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia where he was captain of both the football and lacrosse team. Paul was awarded a NROTC scholarship to the University of Virginia where he majored in Mechanical Engineering, but Paul’s greatest achievement at UVA was meeting and marrying his wife Sarah.

Loved by many, Paul is greatly missed by all who knew him.

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Gregory Wayne Musselwhite Jr.

25 Jun 2021

Gregory Wayne Musselwhite Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama on February 10,1986 & went to be with our Heavenly Father on June 25,2021. He was raised in Irvington Alabama. He attended Alma Bryant High School & joined the Navy right out of High School He served for nearly 18 years.He was fun, loving & kind to everyone. Dearly loved & Greatly missed by Family & Friends.

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials

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 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.

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

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

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.'

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.