MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 1st Class Eden Paulos, a native of Fresno, California, serving aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), was recently named the 2025 Judge Advocate General’s Service Member of the Year.
Paulos graduated from Fresno High School in 2011, earned an associate of arts in paralegal studies in 2024, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and a master’s degree in legal studies in 2026. Paulos has served in the Navy as a legalman for 13 years, supporting command legal operations and advising Sailors on a range of administrative and legal matters.
Paulos credits the lessons she learned growing up in Fresno for much of her success in the Navy.
“I learned so many lessons growing up in Fresno, California,” Paulos said. “It was a community filled with a ton of family and friends that taught me the importance of work ethic, diversity, and teamwork. Which was instrumental in helping me succeed while in the Navy.”
Paulos said the decision to join the Navy began as a practical step, but quickly became a long-term commitment.
“I originally joined the Navy for assistance with college tuition,” Paulos said. “I ultimately re-enlisted because I gained a love for the Navy and my country that I couldn’t compare to any other profession.”
USS Harry S. Truman is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier capable of conducting sustained combat operations and supporting a wide range of missions around the globe.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
With a wealth of schooling, it is no surprise that Paulos is most proud of her education.
“I’m most proud of graduating from college with my undergraduate degree in criminal justice because education is why I initially joined the Navy,” Paulos said. “Although it took me a few years to complete, I stayed the course and never forgot why I originally joined.”
Serving in the Navy has provided opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
“Serving in the Navy has given me so many opportunities while simultaneously doing something that is bigger than myself on a much bigger scale,” Paulos said. “It has given me purpose.”
Paulos also expressed gratitude to those who have supported her journey.
“I want to thank my dad, Charles Cole, my mom, Gheblet Paulos, the Paulos family, the Bellinger family and the Kopacz family,” Paulos said. “They have all made some sort of impact in my life that I will forever hold close to my heart.”