Joseph Wayne Richardson was born on December 26, 1974 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was raised in Lehigh, IA until he graduated from Southeast Webster High School in 1993. He then worked in Webster City until his enlistment into the United States Navy in 1995. Once Joe enlisted in the Navy, he found his niche in the world. He began a career as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM) which he excelled above any expectations. Starting at the bottom of Navy ranks, Joe achieved and accomplished excellence as well as earning the admiration and respect of his entire squadron and everyone who crossed his path in life. Joe was known for his love of family, friends, and his Navy Career. He loved spending time with his daughter and with his family in Iowa when he would return home on leave. He had many interests such as cars, camping, and four wheeling with his jeep and 4-wheeler in the hills and mountains of California. Joe always had a smile on his face and a personality that put everyone at ease. He always had a comment that made you smile.
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ICO HM3 Nigel C. Kennedy enlisted in the Navy in 2006. Born in Trinidad, Third Class Kennedy served in the Navy until his passing, October 11, 2009. He loved being a Sailor, serving his country, the brotherhood and meeting new people all over the world. His awards include the Good Conduct Medal, the National Service Defense Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with 1 star and Eagle Globe and Anchor, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 1 star, the Over Sears Service Ribbon, the Marksman Rifle Ribbon and the Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon.
He was the eldest of three children born September 6th,1980 to parents Carol Williams Elder and Roy Elder. He had a passion for service and had plans of furthering his studies in the medical field with hopes of doing more. He is remembered for the wonderful life he lived. As a son, brother, uncle, grandson and nephew we as a family mourn his loss everyday. We celebrate the great memories we had with him daily and we will continue to share his legacy with the future generation. We are thankful we get to honor him during the May Gold Star Awareness month.
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Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, he was an energetic, happy, and loving son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend. Known for his loud voice and big smile that could light up any room, Tyon touched many lives with his caring nature, love and joy. From age six, Tyon loved playing basketball, the color red, and running track. After graduating from Pickerington North High School, he fulfilled a long-held dream and joined the US Navy. Tyon reported to Great Lakes for boot camp in July 2023, quickly becoming a leader in his barracks. His shipmates admired him for his hard work and dedication. He was so excited about his future, including plans to start school and continue his leadership journey in the Navy. He was always eager to help others and had a generous spirit. Our beloved son gained his wings at age 19 from a brain aneurysm; today, his legacy lives on through the many accomplishments he achieved in such a short time.
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Aviation Machinist Mate Airman Apprentice Patrick Stellitano was a month shy of his 22nd birthday and three days short of his one-year anniversary with the US Navy. In his not-quite-22-life, he had a profound impact on many people. He was a devoted son, grandson, cousin, nephew, brother, and friend. He loved all things mechanical, particularly cars. He joined the Navy intent on learning skills that would enable him to pursue his love of restoring automobiles. But his legacy will not be his mechanical prowess. It will be the love he showed everyone and which he engendered in people. His intrepid nature allowed him to sidestep shyness creating an almost startling, easy friendliness. This friendliness was not limited to his peers. His superiors also remarked on his courtesy, respect, and natural friendliness. He was a good and kind young man, and he will be sorely missed, not just by his family, but by the many friends and comrades whose lives he touched.
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Kivan-Lee Morton Rice, (22) was born February 10th, 1999 in Fort Worth, Texas to Katharin Rice and Reginald-Lee Morton. Both his parents served and retired from the military. Katharin (Navy, then retired from the Army), and Reginald (Army, then retired from the Navy). Kivan-Lee was an incredible football player and played all throughout each high school he attended. He was very successful as a Junior and Senior in Cache High school playing Running Back, Corner Back and Wide Receiver positions. He graduated from Cache High School in 2017. Kivan-Lee joined the United States Navy on June 18, 2018 in Lawton, Oklahoma and graduated Navy bootcamp in Great Lakes, IL August 10, 2018, receiving the National Service Medal. Kivan-Lee’s first command was aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73); where he served as a Fire Watch Crewman (Fire Watch Division) and Flight Deck Crewman (Air Department V4 Divison). During his tour aboard, Kivan-Lee qualified as a Fire Party Team Leader and vigilantly stood 1,481 hours of watch. In October 2020, Kivan -Lee reported to Airborne Command & Control Squadron ONE TWO FOUR (VAW-124) and served as an Aviation Maintenance Administration Clerk. During his tour, he flawlessly screened 1,972 maintenance actions, 37 aircraft and engine logbook entries, 96 scheduled inspections, and six Aeronautical Equipment Service Records.
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