Major Mark Tobin, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, CFK alumnus, CFK employee, and CFK scholarship supporter

KEY WEST, FL, November 4, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) honored veterans as part of its festivities on Community Day on Saturday, November 2 at the Key West Campus. CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra delivered his annual Salute to Veterans, honoring Major Mark Tobin, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, CFK alumnus, CFK employee, and CFK scholarship supporter.

CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra’s 2024 Salute to Veterans:

“This Veterans Day, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that our service members bear for all Americans and for the principles of democracy. I salute all veterans as well as current service members, including my son Julius, who is serving in the Navy. I express my sincerest thanks to them and their families for their dedication and commitment, and for their continued service to protect our freedom wherever they are deployed.

Our heroes continue to serve in a variety of ways that benefit our communities. The Florida Keys and the College have indeed benefitted from the contributions of many veterans over the years. Each one deserves special recognition. Today, I salute one veteran in the CFK family: U.S. Marine Corps Major Mark Tobin, CFK alumnus, CFK employee, and CFK scholarship supporter.

Major Tobin has manifested three destinies in his life: military service, living in Key West, and marrying his wife, Jen. His father was a naval aviator stationed in Key West before he was born—paving the way for a military career. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1985 at the age of 19.

He served in the Marine Corps Reserves while attending the University of Arizona achieving the rank of Sergeant. He then attended Officers Candidate school and earned his commission as an officer. His first career highlight was a Western Pacific deployment aboard the USS Tarawa in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 1996.

In 1997, he was selected to be the Aide de Camp for the Director of Joint Interagency Task Force East in Key West. The best part of this assignment was meeting and marrying his wife.

As the Operations Officer of Marine Air Support Squadron One in Cherry Point, North Carolina, Major Tobin planned and executed the squadron’s deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Everyone safely returned upon mission completion.

In 2004, when his daughter was just one month old, Major Tobin was deployed to Afghanistan to support the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit as they established a Forward Operating Base in the heart of Taliban country.

He earned a master’s degree in Military Operational Art and Science in 2005 and was assigned to Headquarters United States Marine Corps as a member of the Aviation Command and Control Transformation Task Force. His two years at the Pentagon included another appointment as Aide de Camp to the Chief of Naval Operations and extensive travel around the world including combat zones in Iraq.

Major Tobin’s awards and service decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award. He also received the Combat Action Ribbon as well as other unit and service awards.

Upon retirement after 25 years of service, Major Tobin returned to Key West and started a civilian career at JIATF South. Major Tobin became active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3911, serving as Commander in 2019. Major Tobin led the group to start the VFW Post 3911 Ed Moran Memorial Scholarship for veterans, service members, and their family members attending CFK. The scholarship, which now named the VFW Post 3911 Ray Gutierrez Scholarship, has since grown and supported dozens of worthy CFK students.

Inspired by his interactions with the College, Major Tobin decided to use the last year on his GI Bill to take classes and embark on a new chapter in life after his civilian retirement in 2022. He earned an Advanced Open Water diving certification and learned the basics of marine engineering—opening a whole new world in and on the water. He achieved dive master status allowing him to work part-time as a dive master and captain at a local dive shop. He is also maintaining his relationship with the College as a lab technician for diving classes and as crew of the College’s catamaran, Tuga Explorer.

While Major Tobin is enjoying his dream retirement gigs and extra time with Jen and their new puppy, Gunny, he still has a lot of energy and desire to help people. He hopes to combine his talents and passions to create a charity to take veterans and cancer survivors out sailing to the Dry Tortugas.

It is with great honor that on this Veterans Day 2024, The College of the Florida Keys and I salute U.S. Marine Corps Major Mark Tobin. He exemplifies the bravery and selflessness of the U.S. military. Thank you for your continuous service to our country, state, and community. May your achievements, sacrifice, and generosity serve as an inspiration for all.”