“Forever Loved, Never Forgotten”

The Navy Gold Star Program is eternally grateful for the sacrifice of those Service Members who have died in service to our country. To help us to never forget, we have set up this tribute page to honor and remember the memory of those lives. If you would like to honor the memory of your Sailor, Soldier, Marine, Airman or Coast Guardsman through the Navy Gold Star website please submit your thoughts and a photo.

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Lieutenant Commander Michael Alexander Rutherford, who served on both an active duty and reserve status in the US Navy was a loving father, son and friend. He passed away in his home on Wednesday, 13 April 2022 at the age of 40. Mike was born at Fort Sill Army Base, Lawton, Oklahoma on 19 November 1981. After graduating from Rex Putnam High School, Mike enlisted in the Navy on 15 January 1999 and was later commissioned as an officer on 17 June 2006. He subsequently became a Naval Aviator, flying P3s across multiple deployments and shore tours. After his flying career concluded, Mike continued to serve with distinction in intelligence and special operations roles. His most recent deployment was to Afghanistan from January thru November 2020 for RESOLUTE SUPPORT, Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan. Mike held a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University, an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master’s degree from the National Intelligence University. He was known for his quick wit, constant jokes, infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. Mike is survived by his son, Mason Rutherford, mother, Cherriie Rutherford; father, Michael Banda; two half-brothers, Michael and David Banda, maternal grandmother Gloria Dupuis; paternal grandparents Saul and Mary Banda, Aunts Debbie Dupuis, Ellen Rutherford