Tunnel to Towers Foundation Renovates Virginia Beach Veteran’s Home

Honoring the Service of U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Stephen “Turbo” Toboz Jr.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA [November 5, 2025] — The Tunnel to Towers Foundation proudly unveiled renovations to the Virginia Beach home of U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Stephen “Turbo” Toboz Jr., honoring his service, sacrifice, and resilience.

Joined by his wife, Linda, PO1 Toboz cut the ribbon on his newly renovated home—customized for greater accessibility and independence. As part of the Foundation’s Smart Home Program, Tunnel to Towers also paid off the family’s mortgage in full, providing lasting financial freedom.

Although Toboz has long supported the Foundation, he was stunned when Tunnel to Towers CEO Frank Siller personally told him that his mortgage would be paid in full.

“Frank told me what he was going to do for me and my family…it made my wife and I cry,” said PO1 Toboz.

A decorated Navy SEAL, Toboz served with SEAL Team 8, deploying to Bosnia, the Mediterranean, and Afghanistan.

In March 2002, he took part in Operation Anaconda, one of the first major battles in Afghanistan following the September 11th attacks. During a mission to rescue a captured teammate, Toboz was struck by automatic weapons fire, shattering his lower leg. The injury led to a below-the-knee amputation—but just nine months later, he redeployed to Afghanistan with his team.

He medically retired as a Petty Officer First Class / Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Aircraft Handling. His valor earned him the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and numerous other commendations.

Through the Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program, the Foundation paid off his mortgage and renovated his home, including:

• Remodel the Master Bathroom to meet ADA standards
• Regrade the walkway from the front door to the driveway
• Add an ADA ramp onto the rear deck
• Installed smart home technology in the Master Bedroom and Main living area, allowing the lights, new split unit HVAC system, sound, and security system to be controlled remotely via an app, or smart panel in the home. 

“Everything is beautiful. Tunnel to Towers has made so many day-to-day things easier on me and my family, getting into my house, getting around my house, showering,” said PO1 Toboz. “The smart technology means I no longer have to put my leg back on to turn off a light or check the security system. I can do it all from my phone…I can even check in on my house when I am away.” 

The Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program builds specially adapted, mortgage-free smart homes or renovates existing homes to help our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders reclaim their day-to-day independence.
For more information and to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission to build smart homes for America’s heroes, visit T2T.org and consider donating just $11 per month.