Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Dakota Rigsby was born September 12, 1997, in Fort Polk, Louisiana. He attended Fluvanna County Public Schools, graduating in 2015 from Fluvanna County High School. Dakota loved playing sports, all things Pokémon, listening to a variety of music, playing videogames and spending time with friends and family. He was a kind, caring and funny individual who had an infectious laugh and smile. Dakota had a tremendous love for his family and friends and was someone who never met a stranger. Dakota entered the delayed entry program for the U.S. Navy in July 2015. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 17, 2016 at Fort Lee, Virginia, leaving for Great Lakes RTC boot camp. He graduated from boot camp on April 15, 2016 and remained at Great Lakes for A School. Dakota graduated from Gunner’s Mate A School on October 7, 2016. Dakota was assigned to the USS Fitzgerald DDG 62 in November 2016 where he was stationed until his passing on June 17, 2017. Dakota, we miss you, we love you and we have always been so proud of you! You are FOREVER LOVED, NEVER FORGOTTEN!  

SPC Brian Tabada was born in Olangapo, Philippines, and relocated to the US as a boy. According to family members, he loved to skateboard, play video games, write and draw in his youth. Raised primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada, he attended both Shadow Ridge and Arbor View High Schools. He joined the Army in August 2008, and was stationed shortly after at the 101^st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Brian was a fire support specialist, also known as a “Fister” assigned to Headquarters Company, 1^st Battalion, 327^th Infantry Regiment, 1^st Combat Team. Brian died after his mounted patrol was ambushed and took on small-arms and rocket propelled grenade fire in the Darah-Ye district, Kunar province, Afghanistan.

Brian was a very special young man, who had a lot to offer this world and forever in his smile. He is survived by his mother Leinette Mahan and her husband, his father Retired Fire Captain and Major, US Army (Ret.) Muncko Kruize and his wife, two sisters, a brother, a grandmother, an aunt and two uncles.

“A hui hou” Brian… (Until we meet again)

Aviation Boatswains Mate Handling Hunter Nathaniel Biehle was born in Austin, TX in 1998.  He was raised in Lexington, TX where he graduated high school in 2016.    Hunter decided to serve his country and joined the U.S. Navy in 2019.  In the short year he was there he got to live in Illinois, Florida, Japan and his final station at Naval Base Coronado in California. Hunter was very proud of the Lone Star State and expressed it often to other sailors, which earned him the name “Big Tex” by his fellow sailors. 

Hunter was passionate about music, fishing, hunting and technology.  His favorite pass time was traveling which is what led him to the Navy.  Before he joined, he had already visited many other countries, states, and cities, by car, cruises and planes.  Hunter got to experience more than most with family & friends and he was always so appreciate of it all.

Kenneth Aaron Smith, was born on January 27, 1995, died on August 21, 2017. PO2 Kenmeth  Smith was killed in the USS MCCain collision with 9 other sailors. 

Kenneth was a loving son, sibling and a friend to many. He had a promising future as a fantasy author, and he was already self-published. Kenneth was a huge animal lover, and had several pets throughout his life. Kenneth enjoyed comedy, soccer, theme parks, working out, karaoke, and he was known for his sense of humor. Kenneth was incredibly smart and he had a bright future ahead of him. 

Kenneth was loved. He will be missed dearly for the rest of our lives.

His loving mother, April