Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

René William Zook, was born May 16,1985 to William M. Zook & Dolores D. Zook of Pasadena, Texas. René graduated in 2004 from Clear Brook High in Friendswood, Texas. He loved sports and played football in junior high and high school and was competitive in track & field.

During the summer he went on camping trips with his mom, brother Jonathan and his stepfather Bill Wilkes, who raised him from the age of twelve.

 He played basketball with the neighborhood kids and he made sure his room was always clean, when alone he wrote about anything and everything.

 He attended St. Bernadette Catholic Church teen Mass in Clear Lake. He attended San Jacinto Junior College, then join the military.

 SA René W. Zook graduated from the Great Lakes Naval Training Recruit Center in Chicago. His family was filled with joy on that day of August 18,2005. The three joined hands, carefully stepping over each bleacher at the stadium awaiting to embrace him.

He was going to work as a Navy Missile Technician, but before he could reach this assignment, he had to finish the Naval Submarine School. On Nov. 18, 2005 SA (SU) René William Zook had successfully completed the Naval Submarine School in the Naval Submarine Base, New London, Groton, Connecticut.

Jacob was a young man passionate for life, but seemed to know that the Marine Corps was the right place for him. Shortly after graduating from Gahanna Christian Academy near Columbus, Ohio in 2007, he joined the USMC. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. 

At only 21, Jacob was a loving husband and father to a newborn son that unfortunately, he never got meet. He heroically gave his life while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, earning many metals. He left behind a loving wife, son, parents, and siblings. Jacob’s brother Joshua has stated that he was the class clown, and yet a bad ass, beloved by all who knew him. He was determined to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. He had an infectious smile and he will be missed always.

Submitted by his brother Joshua Hermiz.

Leslie was born and lived in San Bernardino, CA, where she went to Cajon High School and graduated with Honors.
She loved sports of every kind, especially playing AAA league Fast Pitch Softball. Her other hobbies were raising exotic birds, volunteering at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, and working in her rose garden.
We joined the U. S. Navy together, driving cross-country to attend Basic Training at the Navy Training Center in Orlando for 8 weeks before transferring to the Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) in Pensacola to become Cryptologists. While she was studying for her new-found career, Leslie earned her Amateur Radio License (KB4GWE) and was the most popular operator on the base. She worked as a Military Affiliated Radio System (M.A.R.S) operator and handled over 2,500 messages and radio communications for Sailors and ships at sea.
She graduated from her specialty training and earned the rating of Cryptologic Technician Operations (CTO).  After graduating, we were transferred to the Naval Communications Station, San Diego, where Leslie worked in the Communications Center handling message traffic.  She loved working in her position and was a valuable asset to her department.
Leslie was my best friend and the love of my life, and my love for her is everlasting! 

Phil Slaughter

Mason was not just a son and brother but a beacon of light within our family.  His smile was infectious, his kindness, boundless and his love for his family and friends immeasurable.  He had an innate ability to bring joy to any gathering, his presence filling the room with warmth and positivity.  His passion for weightlifting was typical of his unwavering determination and commitment to excellence.  He pursued his goals, while inspiring others with his dedication and steadfast drive.  Yet, at the same time in pursuit of his own personal success, Mason never hesitated to uplift and support those around him who shared similar aspirations.  His legacy of love, kindness and perseverance will always remain etched in our hearts.  We will forever cherish the memories we shared with Mason and carry his love with us always.