I’m Tony Stewart, a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer who served for 20 years in the Submarine Force. After my military career, I had the privilege of working as the Director of Administration for the Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command for 13 years leading the team supporting those who train Navy SEAL and SWCC Operators. Alongside my work with the Navy, I felt called to continue serving my fellow veterans and their families, so I spent a significant time in leadership roles with the American Legion and co-founded Us for Warriors Foundation in 2013. Our organization aims to support active-duty military, veterans, and their loved ones through various programs and initiatives, like our Food4Warriors program. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team and volunteers who have helped us assist over 62,000 warriors and families so far.
I’m also involved with RemotelyMe, a software-as-a-service wellness and training firm that focuses on helping professionals develop their skills and resilience. This gives me a chance to use my years of versatile education to help a team of dedicated professionals tap into neuroscience and cognitive AI based tools to help everyone get the most out of what they already possess and learn a way to get to what they may not yet have in order to be there best while helping companies create better teams and work environments.
I spend a lot of time steering, but I also really like to work alongside others to do awesome things. I believe the real reward is seeing the positive impact we can make in the lives of those who have served our nation and others. My experiences, including overcoming cancer and military service, have strengthened my commitment to supporting others facing challenges in their lives. Growing up in Kansas, I always live by the echoing words of Bob Dole where he said there are stewers and doers, encouraging us to be doers. I like being a doer!
About Anthony “Tony” Stewart
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the proud father of four awesome daughters and 12 amazing grandchildren, some of whom live locally and others are spreading their wings to Arizona and Tennessee.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have a career with several professional endeavors and different companies that all converge upon an overall effort to help others. I have dedicated all of my professional life, whether working in the U.S. Navy as a submariner, or working as a Director of Administration for the Navy SEAL/SWCC Community, to running several non-profit efforts to help others. I have come to realize that it is a calling.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The economic adage of a “rising tide lifts all boats” is a special pathway that can help everyone excel. Do your best in all that you strive to do and try also to help create an environment where others can contribute and lift as well. Achieving more and doing good deeds is contagious.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still contributing to causes that help uplift those who need support, but further along with mentoring efforts to cultivate a sense of purpose among others.
Anthony “Tony” Stewart & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Galley at the Marina, La Bellas Pizzeria, Savoie Italian Eatery, Islands Restaurant, Burros and Fries
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been in the Chula Vista Community for over 24 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There are many who I have met throughout my time in Chula Vista. Many are Veterans I meet at the California Veterans Home in Chula Vista, with beautiful stories of years of dedicated service to our country. I am amazed at the life, hardships, and adventures they have endured to help make our country a better and safer place.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I have two that keep me grounded with warm thoughts: my past work with The American Legion, especially the amazing community supporters and Veterans of Chula Vista Post 434, and my current work with the Us for Warriors Foundation (Us4Warriors) over the last 10 years, where we have been blessed to help over 62,000 warriors and families live stronger lives.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our community is large but has a small, hometown feel that overshadows the footprint of the space.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
There are many amazing people in the world. Some do amazing things and are either popular or unpopular for many reasons. I think that sometimes, in such a serious world, it’s good to just talk to someone that you find interesting. I would love to have lunch with Adam Sandler. I think it would be a hoot, and hopefully, both of us would walk away with a smile and a few new jokes.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Cool Hand Luke (now that is old school), any Marvel movie or TV show. I am really enjoying Shogun.
Q: (Even for friends or family) What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I actually like quiet time, reading and like to create artistic things when the world permits. There again, that might sound sort of odd for those who know that I have a fondness for radio and used to be a disc jockey in my early years.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
That is a tough question, as I do not believe in 10 out of 10. But the closest I can come is my kids and grandchildren. They are the closest.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family. They see our flaws and our struggles. They see our efforts, too. When they are in your corner, it makes you want to be better.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
The Us for Warriors Foundation, The American Legion (Chula Vista Post 434), Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, San Diego Veterans Coalition, Chula Vista Veterans Home Support Foundation, Feeding San Diego, San Diego Food Bank
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“You Can Have Everything In Life You Want If You Will Just Help Enough Other People Get What They Want.” ~ Zig Ziglar. This was my mantra during military service and professional life.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Chula Vista.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
We have everything that a person could want and within a short distance.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
A work-free opportunity to do something new.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peaceful, Safe, Community Focused
