The USMC will notify both the Primary Next-of-Kin and Secondary Next-of-Kin (PNOK and SNOK) in case of death. For information about Notifying Next of Kin for KIA, Killed in Action, please see Procedures.
The terminology used for a family member that has lost a loved one is "Gold Star". MarineParents.com, Inc. offers services to Gold Star Marine Corps Families. We offer grieving parents, spouses, and family members a Place to Connect & Share® with one another. For more information about Gold Star Legacy™, please visit the website: www.GoldStarLegacy.com