Stewart McGurk served his country as an EOD soldier during Operations Iraqi Freedom. He also courageously served in Operations Enduring Freedom.
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
This letter is in remembrance and honoring Lt. Commander Michael D. Edwards born October 13, 1970 who passed away in November of 2011. I’m thankful for this courageous husband and father, who spent most of his life serving our country. He has left behind to great young men Michael Jr. 23, who has now graduated college and is a computer programmer and Jordan 19 who is attending Sacramental State as a Business Major. They have surely stepped into their fathers shoes, with education in mind. We now stand and honor him since his loss by opening a Non Profit in 2012 named after his son’s MNJ Foundation. This nonprofit serves the Modesto California community by helping veterans, homeless, incarcerated and the less fortunate trying to get back to life in general. By providing job training skills, business skills and community resources to support the underserved residents. He inspired me with his giving heart to help others and always joking spirit when someone needed uplifting. Lt. Commander Michael D Edwards will always be honored as long his family is blessed to keep his legacy going.
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BU1 Michael Nordquest proudly served his country for 17.5 years as a dedicated Navy Seabee, embodying strength, honor, and unwavering commitment. He was not only a skilled builder in uniform, but also the foundation of his family—a loving husband and devoted father. Michael’s greatest pride and joy were his two children, Adelynn and Jaccson, who were the light of his life. He loved his family deeply and wholeheartedly, always putting them first and creating a life filled with love, laughter, and security. His sacrifice is immeasurable, and his absence is deeply felt every day. Yet his legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the service he gave, and the love he leaves behind. BU1 Nordquest will forever be remembered as a hero, a protector, and a man whose love continues to guide his family forward.
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Vaughn is my second child and the only child his father and I planned. We knew we wanted a boy and by the grace of God we got one. Vaughn was a great child even though he was slow to speak and walk and once he started speaking it was gibberish and no one understood him except me. Which is how life would play out, I would become his best friend. He shared a lot with me, especially his treatment in the Navy. He was stationed in Coronado and according to my son it was not the best experience. When my son died, he said mom,” I am finally happy” he was able to live out his passion and for that I am thankful to God. To God be the glory for the good things He has done. I will forever love you, Son. Isaiah 57: 1-2
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My Grandparents, Joseph and Iva Rule, had a large bee farm (or Apiary) in Chanute, Kansas, beginning in the late 1930's. My father, Arthur Rule, worked on the farm while in High School, but, after a short deferral to tend to the bees, furthering the war effort, he enlisted in the Navy in 1942. I have been unable to obtain the details of his service during WWII, but he attained the rank of Ensign. After the war, he became a flight instructor for the Navy, graduating his first pilot in 1951, at Malden Air Force Base. During this time, he purchased a surplus Howard DGA/15. He used his plane to pick up about 1.5 million passengers (bees) from Hessmer, La. in the early '50s. He, along with 2 other pilots, was killed in 1953, while returning from a Navy mission. He had attained a rank of LTJG at the time of his death.
Petty Officer Michael J. Gibbs was a man of humility and good character. Michael was a determined man who chose to create a better life for himself outside of his social norm by joining the United States Navy immediately after graduating from C.A. Johnson High School in 2001. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina and raised by his mother, Ms. Barbara Kanzater. Michael achieved great accomplishments during his time in the United States Navy, earning notable rank and medals. Michael was a wonderful artist and enjoyed drawing cartoon characters, playing video games, and enjoyed traveling and seeing the world as well as spending quality time with his family. Michael was a loving father to his namesake, Michael J. Gibbs, II and adored his devoted wife, Delia Gibbs who, with a host of family and friends cherishes his memory.
Navy Gold Star Testimonials
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.
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 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
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