Beloved husband, son, father and brother.
(submitted by his loving mother, Angie)
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(submitted by his loving mother, Angie)
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 Tributes
Travis grew up in Austin Texas. He has an older brother. He played a lot of sports growing up. He graduated from Westlake High School in Austin. He still loved the outdoors as an adult and loved to go mountain bike riding and snowboarding.
Travis went to college in Portland Oregon but didn't finish, instead he decided to enlist in the Navy. He loved the Navy, his first assignment was at Coronado Island air base in San Diego. He was an aviation structural mechanic and later was part of a squadron from Whidbey air base where he was stationed and was deployed twice on the USS Enterprise to Iraq during the Global War on Terrorism. He had served for seven years at the time of his death. The last year of his life, he served as a recruiter in Gresham, Oregon.
Travis was survived by his wife and three sons and his parents and brother. He served honorably and faithfully in the Navy. We have a lot of good memories to hold in our hearts and we miss him.
Travis' mom, Carolyn Swinnea
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Travis went to college in Portland Oregon but didn't finish, instead he decided to enlist in the Navy. He loved the Navy, his first assignment was at Coronado Island air base in San Diego. He was an aviation structural mechanic and later was part of a squadron from Whidbey air base where he was stationed and was deployed twice on the USS Enterprise to Iraq during the Global War on Terrorism. He had served for seven years at the time of his death. The last year of his life, he served as a recruiter in Gresham, Oregon.
Travis was survived by his wife and three sons and his parents and brother. He served honorably and faithfully in the Navy. We have a lot of good memories to hold in our hearts and we miss him.
Travis' mom, Carolyn Swinnea
Brian "Gibby" Gibson served in the United States Navy for 12 years. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy. He was an aviation structural mechanic for the US Navy Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Four (HC-4) Black Stallions. He attained qualifications as a MH-53E helicopter crew chief, quality assurance inspector, assistant NATOPS instructor and functional check flight crew chief. He received his bachelor's degree in professional aeronautics from Embry Riddell University. He leaves behind his parents, brother and sister-in-law, a sister, three nephews, one niece and one great niece along with his Black Stallion brothers and sisters. Brian "Gibby" is gone but not forgotten.
Lance Corporal Eugene C. Mills, III called Gene by family and Gino by most of his military friends, grew up in Laurel, Maryland. He was born on November 19, 1990 to Theresa and Gene Mills. Gene loved his country as much as his family and decided when the twin towers fell on September 11, 2001 that he would join the military and its mission to defend our Country against terrorism. At the age of 17, he went to boot camp at Parris Island, SC to become a United States Marine. After graduating boot camp, he went to SOI and Security Forces training and ultimately was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, NC. His first deployment was with Charlie Company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. His second and final deployment was with 1/8, Bravo Company where he became a squad leader. On June 22, 2012 during combat operations and with less than one month remaining of their deployment, 1/8 Bravo Co. encountered enemy forces in Sangin Valley, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. LCpl Mills was killed by enemy small fire. His final resting place is in Section 60, Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. Gene's decorations include: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Iraq/Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Ribbon A portion of I-95 is dedicated to Lance Corporal Mills and his sign is located between Routes 198 and 216 in Laurel, Maryland.
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Born in Olney, Maryland, Dustin took his oath to join the US Navy on March 15, 2015. He found his niche serving as an Electronics Technician aboard the USS JOHN S MCCAIN. His athletic abilities along with his love for the sea catapulted him to succeed in being a certified Search and Rescue Swimmer [SARS] for the Navy, serving in missions while deployed. Dustin had a way of speaking to both young and old with an energetic passion and gentleness-but his gift was in listening, and always being with those in need. Dustin was and adventurist, living life to the fullest and documenting every aspect of his journey; he was an avid runner signing up for every race, he bought a bike in Japan just to see the sights, and when he couldn’t ride to the top of the highest mountain, he hiked it. He loved every sport known to man. He valued friendships without judgement; loved his family, God, both which strengthens a home. He will be remembered for his peaceful-gentle soul.
Survived By: Parents: Brian Doyon & Karen Doyon Sister: Annette Doyon
In the early hours of September 11, 2001 I was jolted by a vivid vision of a lone body lying atop a stark white gurney at the end of a long dark corridor. An eerie approach toward the person revealed it was my son, JB. An awful fear shot to my core as I toiled emotionally and spiritually to reject any merit in this dream. Later that morning, I witnessed on the news the deaths of thousands of people in the World Trade Center.
Within five months following the attack on the WTC, my son, Captain James B. Blackmon, Jr., USMC was dead; my pregnant daughter-in-law widowed and my unborn grandson left fatherless. My life was abruptly changed, just as thousands of other families’ lives have been changed forever.
We must always remember the fallen. Acknowledge and salute those who willingly placed themselves in harm’s way to guard and secure the freedom and liberties we so often take for granted. Know that life could be quite different if it were not for their unselfish sacrifices for our rights to life, liberty and our pursuit of happiness. Recognize and support the families of these courageous men and women who have served in all branches of the military.
Navy Gold Star Testimonials
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.'
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
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.