Terrence "Steve" Stephen Todd

Steve had an illustrious naval career, faithfully serving his country. Steve piloted S-2 and S-3 jets during the Vietnam war. After Vietnam, Steve was selected to serve Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford as the Naval Aide to the President. After the White House, he was back in San Diego, working on his duties as the Executive Officer (XO) of the aircraft carrier USS Ranger, and thereafter as the Commanding Officer (CO) of the USS Tripoli. 

Steve’s most important assignment, however, was as a military escort to the contestants in the Miss San Diego pageant. At the Hotel Del Coronado is where Steve met his future wife, Barbara Addkison, a contestant in the pageant. Barbara didn’t take the crown, but she got a much better prize: Steve Todd as her husband for 58 years! Steve and Barbara had three daughters, Lisa, Laura, and Jennifer. Steve’s naval career led his family across the country more than a few times, and the family permanently settled in San Diego in 1982. 

During his tenure as the XO of the USS Ranger, Steve embarked on furthering his education by attending evening classes at National University, earning his second master’s degree, this one in human resources. He graduated in 1984, as valedictorian of his class. 

Steve retired from the Navy in 1992, after 30 years of service.