“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.

Aviation Boatswain Mate Joseph Naglak, USN, of Naval Station Norfolk and formerly of West Windsor, NJ died in service to our country while working on the flight deck aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) on September 17, 2018. He was 21.Born in Seoul, South Korea, Joe was adopted by Kenneth Naglak and the late Jeanne Naglak. He was a member of the 2015 graduating class at West Windsor Plainsboro High School North and also studied automotive restoration. While in high school he played football and enjoyed basketball. Joe attended Monmouth University where he studied Homeland Security. In addition to his interests in sports and cars, Joe enjoyed drawing, the culinary arts and was an active and energetic volunteer with the Special Olympics.Joe enlisted in the Navy, because "He wanted to give back to a countrywho gave him so much" his sister Stephanie Blair Naglak said in an interview with NJ Advance Media. "He was everything that I hope to be one day and he should always be remembered as a hero with a big heart." After completing his training, Joe met a young lady with whom he wanted to share his life, got engaged and was working with his fiancée, Nicole Weber of Santa Barbara CA on planning their nuptials. Joe will be greatly missed, but forever remembered as one of the most loving and compassionate persons anyone could wish to have been able to call a son, grandson, brother, nephew, fiancé, and friend.