PHOTO PROVIDEDNavy Seal Steve Toboz Jr. is shown with wife, Linda, and daughter, Bianca, 9.

LOCK HAVEN Petty Officer Stephen Turbo Toboz Jr. will be honored on Saturday, Aug. 28, when the First Island Bridge over the Susquehanna River in Castanea Township is dedicated to the Navy Seal.

The ceremony, which will include unveiling of a sign naming the bridge for Toboz, will take place at the pavilion next to the bridge beginning at 1 p.m.

State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, R-Clinton/Centre counties, will host the event, which is open to the public.

Stephen is truly a living legend and I am humbled to have the opportunity to permanently honor this decorated Navy SEAL and all-American warrior for his lifetime of extraordinary service and sacrifice, said Borowicz, who sponsored the unanimously adopted House Bill 925 which was signed into law as Act 40 of 2021 on June 30. Without question, Petty Officer Tobozs actions during the Battle of Roberts Ridge reflect the highest traditions of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group and his selfless courage under overwhelming fire are worthy of our nations enduring gratitude.

Toboz is a veteran of the United States Navy who proudly served his country for 20 years as a Navy SEAL. His inspiring profile biography below is excerpted from the book American Heroes by Oliver North:

In March 2002, in support of Operation Anaconda at Takur Ghar mountain in Afghanistan Petty Officer Stephen Toboz and his comrades charged into the snowy darkness and immediately set out to rescue their fellow SEAL, Petty Officer Neal Roberts.

Ordered to pull back by his team leader, Stephen was hit by a Taliban bullet that tore a fist-sized hole in his right calf. The projectile then spiraled down his leg, shattering the bones in his ankle and foot. Hours later when he was finally evacuated off the frozen hilltop, Turbo was still shooting back at those who had tried to kill him.

After multiple surgeries, figuring he would get better faster without it, Toboz ordered his doctors to amputate his leg below the knee. After being fitted with an ultramodern prosthetic limb, Stephen remarkably rejoined his team in Afghanistan. He says he did it because Neal Roberts was my closest friend and because my parents taught me patriotism, duty, and determination.

Today Stephen Toboz is retired, but he still trains SEALs as a civilian instructor. Since he no longer wears a uniform, unless his young students hear it from others who know the story, they might never know that Stephen Toboz has a metal leg and foot, or that he was awarded our nations third highest award for valorthe Silver Star.

Retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief (SEAL) Stephen Mato Matulewicz will also speak in honor of Toboz. Matulewicz entered the U.S. Navy in 1983. After radiomen certification school, he reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training. Upon graduation, he served with honor and distinction in the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams for 24 years. Mato holds a Bachelor of Science Degree graduating with honors from Excelsior College in Albany, New York. He was awarded a Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan and Iraq campaign medals, and various other personal and unit awards.

In addition to Toboz, Matulewicz and Borowicz, scheduled featured speakers will include state Sen. Cris Dush (R-25), U.S. Congressman Fred Keller (R-12) and Rep. Col. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon).

Residents of the 76th District interested in attending are encouraged to contact Borowiczs Lock Haven district office at 570-748-5480 for more information.

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Bridge to be dedicated to Navy SEAL Steve 'Turbo' Toboz - Lock Haven Express