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!
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 4th, 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
'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.'
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
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
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.
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.
