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

Cpl

Nicholas Lee Ziolkowski

14 Nov 2004

Corporal Nicholas Lee Ziolkowski, "Ski," was a fun loving man with a gift for bringing smiles and happy times to everyone around him.In Charlie Co he distinguished himself as an outstanding Marine and likely had a bright leadership future with Charlie before volunteering for Snipers where he showed the same--unwaivering dedication and commitment that earned him professional respect and friendship from all who worked with him. A true professional, from training throughout combat, he effectively did what needed to be done when duty called while using his down time to pass small deeds of good on to every person he could; keeping our job as human as possible. In high school he trained to one day join the SEALs (we all know where he eventually went) but while leading his team in Fallujah, he achieved his goal of working side by side with a team, earning an expression of condolences from them after his passing.Ski made every effort to keep a positive outlook and constantly worked to hone his ability to find the best in everyoneNot one person who knew him did not like himA common reply from nearly everyone when recalling him is that he was one of the most moral and upstanding persons they knew, and they agree that his consistent priority to try never to judge anyone was readily apparent with every person he came across.Ski took time to enjoy what life had to offer in every way he could find that was within his beliefs. And he stayed true to those beliefs. Particularly when it came to respecting women. Enjoying life often included time with his family, friends, training, or his passion of surfing. He valued every friend, and expressed great love for his parents, for Peter, and their families. Ski wanted very much for his little brother and sister, Alex and Julia, as well as Madeline, to get to know him as they grew up. Maybe they still can to some extent through us.At school, I remember Ski taking a break from writing patrol orders to go surfing. Sometimes he would give us a song to get stuck in our head.He defined himself from within with his actions and interactions. We may not all get the same gifts in life, but he did lead a full life as a wholesome person.Corporal Nicholas Lee Ziolkowski was a man who was young at heart, and mature far beyond his years.

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PO1

Joel Taylor

02 Dec 2019

Joel Miles Taylor grew up in a military family. He was born at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, but lived Spain, Nebraska, South Carolina and Oklahoma. He spent most of his life, prior to enlisting in the Navy, in Oklahoma, wanting to be a firefighter when he grew up. After working in civilian jobs for several years, he enlisted in the Navy in 2013. Joel was a loved video games, playing football and was a big fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and the Detroit Lions. Joel volunteered at local animal shelters, including the New Orleans and Jacksonville Humane Societies, during his military assignments. He enjoyed playing with the shelter dogs and taking them out for exercise. Joel also participated in fund raisers to raise money for the animal shelters. He is remembered by his parents Daniel and Evelyn as a good kid who loved his family. He is also remembered by his sister, April Jones.

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AS1 (AW/SW/IW)

Craig R. Reuter

03 Dec 2017

Craig was born in Iowa. He loved his small town roots but always yearned to see the world. He joined his Navy family in 2001 and began his journey. He was a 17 year veteran of the U.S. Navy. The USS John S McCain, The USS Bonhomme Richard, The USS Nimitz, and finally the USS Makkin Island became his home. Craig loved his family, his Navy and his country. We miss him every day in every way!

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GSE2

Maurice Busey

18 Apr 2011

Maurice Busey, was more than a sailor and U.S. Navy Gas Turbine Engineer, he was a father, husband, brother, son and grandson. He was a friend and confidant who took those roles seriously whenever or however he could someone he would not matter how big or how small and no matter if it were day or night. Just like he was on call for his job he was on call for his family and friends and that gave him a sense of pride and purpose. He loved his family, his daughter was his world he absolutely adored her and it meant the world to him to be able to make her proud of him and he spent every moment possible leaving behind for her a positive legacy of love and humanitarianism.

There aren’t enough words in the English language or dictionary to adequately describe the kind of man and person Maurice was. The only words that would be suffice are loyal, trustworthy, compassionate, intelligent, and inspiring just to state a few. Maurice was the kind of man who led my example and would not ask someone to do something that he would not do himself, he was the kind of guy you meet once in a lifetime truly a treasure and a blessing to all he came into contact with. Being able to share time and space with him was something out of fairytale book or movie, it was so amazing I was so honored to not only be his wife but his friend. Even though his journey has ended the jewels of knowledge he left behind and our very own precious jewel (our daughter) will forever be a reminder of this great man and his legacy of love, laughter, and hope.

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LCDR

Michael Phipps

16 Oct 2004

Michael Joseph Phipps was born on July 7th, 1967 in Carbondale, IL and grew up in Steubenville, OH. Michael was the eldest of five, having one sister and three brothers. After graduation from Ohio State University, the Ohio State Medical School, and passing his medical boards, Dr. Phipps worked as a Flight Surgeon with USMC squadron VMAQ-3 at NCAS in Cherry Point, NC. During this time, VMAQ-3 deployed to Aviano, Italy during the Bosnian conflict. In 1997, LCDR Michael J. Phipps, M.D. married Andrea L. Phipps (nee Granger), moving to Silver Spring, MD shortly thereafter to begin a 4-year residency in Orthopedic Surgery at what was once known as the National Naval Medical Center, now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD). After graduating from residency, Dr. Phipps completed a 1-year Spinal Reconstructive fellowship at the Twin Cities Spine Center, in Minnesota. In 2001, LCDR Michael J. Phipps, M.D. returned to WRNMMC as an Orthopaedic trained Spinal Surgeon. Michael’s tragic death on October 16, 2004 was sudden and unexpected. LCDR Michael J. Phipps was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 66.

Michael; a proud father of two daughters, Kara Lyn (97) and Meghan Kay (00), whom he adored. Over the years, Kara and Meghan have honored their Daddy through acts of service and participation with organizations such as the Travis Manion Foundation, Gold Star Teen Adventures and Wings for Val Foundation. Kara and Meghan are Sacred Heart alumni, graduating high school at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, MD. Kara is a 2020 Special Education graduate of High Point University, in North Carolina. Meghan is a junior attending High Point University with graduation in 2021. Andrea is an avid volunteer with Wings for Val Foundation, Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports Foundation and Warrior Canine Connection as the breeder caretaker of WCC's Donna.

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HM3

Colin Ferguson

28 Apr 2013

Born on Independence Day in Ventura, California, Colin was a one-of-a-kind person. Though often quiet and introspective, he was also sardonically funny – and he cared deeply for his friends and family. Colin graduated from Ventura High in 2008. Never having felt particularly challenged by school, he decided to join the Navy. He wanted to be a SEAL, but due to issues with his vision, was unable to serve in that distinction. Colin felt called to the health field, so trained as a medic. He had hopes of becoming a doctor one day. He served a tour in Afghanistan, embedded with the Marines in 2012. Colin’s interests included reading, surfing, triathlons, and he was extremely adept at video games. Though born in Southern California, he didn’t start surfing until he was stationed in Hawaii (though, who could blame him for waiting?). He was as comfortable discussing the Star Wars Universe, as he was talking Harry Potter. He read The Grapes of Wrath in High School just for fun. He befriended folks on MMPORG platforms. He participated in the Tough Mudder. A mix of nerd and endurance athlete, he contained multitudes. Every year on July 4 ^th, we have two of his favorite things to honor him: pizza and root beer. He is missed every day by his mother, Darla; his sister, Cristen; his brother, Sean; as well as extended family, friends, and those whose lives he left a little brighter.

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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