Friday, October 18, 2024
My wife, Anne, and I knew Steve and Joan as neighbors on Jackson Drive, in Vineland. I spent 11 years working with Steve in the NJARNG 3/102 Armor Battalion.
Chief Tobolski always encouraged me to take the next step up in learning and leadership. After about two years I remember him "suggesting" that I leave my armor crew position to take a slot in the HQ intelligence section. NOT what I wanted to do since my first love was the tanks! But as usual he was right. His guidance led me to learn many different skills as I advanced in rank, eventually reaching SFC, E-7, platoon sergeant and as an acting company first sergeant.
He was father, mother and mentor to generations of both enlisted and commissioned personnel. In all the time I knew him, Chief Tobolski never raised his voice in anger to anyone. But when he spoke you listened! He would always take the time to answer any question, help with any problem and celebrate any success of those he knew. My life and the lives of the many people who knew him will always be blessed by our memories of him.
Ken & Anne Myers, Vineland
