Stephen “Turbo” Toboz Jr. (SEAL, Ret.)
The guest speaker for the 2021 reunion is Stephen “Turbo” Toboz Jr. His biography follows. Turbo participated in training exercises onboard the Polk while with Seal Team Eight.
Stephen “Turbo” Toboz was born on April 24, 1969 in Lock Haven, PA. He graduated from Lock Haven High School Class of 1987. He joined the United States Navy in January, 1991 after 3 years of college. After graduating Electronic Technician ‘A’ School in Great Lakes, IL, he attended BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL) and graduated with Class 185 on December 18, 1992.
After BUD/S training, Petty Officer Toboz was assigned to SEAL Team Eight. His following tours consisted of Naval Special Warfare Development Group and Detachment Little Creek Reconnaissance Division. His expertises include Sniping, Close Quarters Battle, Breaching, skydiving, and combat diving.
PO Toboz has deployed to all parts of the world to include combat action in Bosnia and Afghanistan. In March of 2002 during Operation Anaconda, PO Toboz served as a member of a special operations unit conducting combat operations against enemy forces in hostile territory.
During this operation to constrict the enemy, PO Toboz was a member of a six-man team that flew back into an enemy stronghold atop a 12,000-foot mountain in order to rescue a captured teammate. Caught in automatic weapons crossfire upon insertion, Turbo immediately maneuvered against an enemy machine gun position engaging combatants until ordered to break contact by his team leader. While withdrawing he was hit by automatic weapons fire which shattered his lower leg ultimately resulting in amputation at a later date.
Non-ambulatory and nearly hypothermic, he pushed through exhaustion and intense pain to maneuver over one kilometer through icy and precipitous terrain, refusing morphine in order to preserve his security posture. His tactical expertise and courageous efforts significantly diminished the enemy fighters atop the mountain and contributed to their eventual defeat.
His military awards include Silver Star with Valor during Operation Anaconda on March 2002, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation with valor for operations in Bosnia, two Navy Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Naval Unit Citation, and and Meritorious Unit Citation, and many others.
His personal awards include the Marine Corps Lt. Col. Oliver North Defender of Freedom Award in 2004, 2018 winner of the NDIA (National Defense Industrial Association) Carlos Hathcock award for Sniping, 18 medals (9 gold) at the Department of Defense Warrior Games for Team SOCOM from 2014-2016 & 19, Warrior of the Day for the New York City Tunnel to Towers 5k run, and Lock Haven Hometown Hero’s Award.
Mr. Toboz has memberships and affiliations with Operation 1 Voice Organization, Morten Andersen Family Foundation-Special Teams for Special Ops, Semper Fi Foundation, Operation Rebound, Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, USA Cycling, USA Shooting, NRA Lifetime member, Virginians for Veterans Foundation, and Ernie Els for Autism Foundation.
Finally, Mr. Toboz is 1 of 11 Bob Parson’s squad members for his PXG for Heros program to support former and current military first responders with the world’s finest golf equipment and gear.
Mr. Stephen Toboz Jr. “Turbo” is now serving as an advanced Sniper training manager for special operations.