Steve Gonzo Gonzalez

Steve “Gonzo” Gonzalez

Luminox catches up with Retired Navy SEAL, Steve “Gonzo” Gonzalez this month and discusses the importance of team building, leadership, and marine conservation.

Every day, Luminox celebrates its deep connection to the Navy SEALs. It is a partnership born during the earliest days of the brand’s history and has formed who Luminox is and what we stand for.

Luminox has proudly maintained this rich relationship through product launches and financial sponsorship of Navy SEAL Foundation, VOLITION AMERICA, and many other organizations that not only support SEALs, but also servicemen, their families, firefighters, police and more.

Recently, Luminox sat down with a company fan favorite, Master Chief Navy SEAL (retired) and FORCE BLUE Special Projects and Events Director, Steve “Gonzo” Gonzalez, to chat about his storied career in the armed services and the lessons he learned over his 34 years of active duty that most importantly taught him what it means to be part of a team. Gonzo, as he is affectionally called by all who know him, brings his experience and real-world know-how into a new adventure working for the non-profit, FORCE BLUE.

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Steve Gonzalez was born in the Big Easy and after graduating high school, he enlisted in the US Navy becoming a Navy SEAL in 1998. He has been deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Central and South America, Africa and Europe. His numerous awards include 2 Bronze Medals for Valor, the Navy Commendation Medal for Valor, 5 Navy Commendation Medal, 5 Navy Achievement Medal just to name a few.

When you have the great fortune to be in Gonzo’s presence, you know it and he makes everyone feel a part of the team. His personality is as big as his accomplishments and at any FORCE BLUE event, you are greeted by his big smile and warm welcome.

Read on from our most recent conversation, get to know and appreciate the man, the legend, and all-around awesome guy, Steve “Gonzo” Gonzalez:

Luminox: What inspired you to join the Navy, and how did you feel called to serve your country in this way?
Gonzo: I have always possessed a desire to be a part of something larger than myself. Plus, I wanted to travel and see the world. I did not want to just read about places, I wanted to see them in person. Joining the Navy allowed me to accomplish both.

Luminox: Can you share one of your most memorable moments from your time in service that shaped your approach to life afterward?
Gonzo: I was blessed to experience so many things all over the world over to span of my 34 years in the Navy, so narrowing it down might be hard to do. However, obtaining my college degree in the presence of my wife, daughter, and parents ranks up there as one of the most memorable. My college career followed my military career, starting in 1985 while I was stationed in Florida, then in Virginia, and finally completing it at Norwich University in 2016. I was raised to finish what you started and to never quit and wanted to lead by example for my daughter as she was graduating high school and heading off to college. I could not expect her to do those things if I wasn't prepared to do so myself.

Luminox: How has your experience as a Navy SEAL influenced your perspective on teamwork and leadership in your current work?
Gonzo: On day one you learn that it’s not about you, and that it’s called SEAL Team for a reason. In order to be as highly effective as we are, we must operate as a team. As I advanced in rank and responsibilities, I have utilized certain aspects of our SEAL Ethos as a guide to represent our community as best that I could on and off the battlefield. We live in an era of books, movies, and social media, where some individuals refer to themselves as heroes, warriors, and so on, which honestly goes against the Quiet Professional principles. Being able to learn from and serve with some of the most experienced and humble SEALs established deep within me the creed "The deed is all, not the glory".

Luminox: How did you get involved with FORCE BLUE and what sparked your passion for ocean conservation?
Gonzo: I was approached by the NFL about using Navy SEALs for a project in support of Super Bowl 54 in Miami. I had heard of FORCE BLUE's reputation of working in the marine environment and reached out to them. Together we brought SEALs and other Special Operations veterans, and NFL Green to accomplish an amazing mission that would become the 100 Yards of Hope in Key Biscayne. While participating on this mission, I dove for the first time on a nonmilitary operation and was able to see firsthand the impact that I was able to make on that coral reef as we were making it. As soon as you planted the coral fragments, you could see marine life gathering. It was one of the most transcendental experiences I have had and ignited my passion for marine conservation. Shortly thereafter I was blessed to become a staff member of Force Blue and in doing so, have participated in so many different missions and projects increasing my love for the ocean and our waterways.

Luminox: What is your current role at FORCE BLUE?
Gonzo: I am the Special Projects and Events Director, assisting the Executive Director and Director of Diving Operations in the development and execution of our missions all over the United States. I also represent FORCE BLUE by conducting community outreach events, engaging with the media, as well as motivational speaking engagements for corporations, organizations, and sports teams. One great aspect about those events is since we are a 501c3, so rather than charge a speaking fee, I ask for a tax-deductible donation to FORCE BLUE. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Luminox: What parallels do you see between serving in the SEALs and now working with FORCE BLUE?
Gonzo: The same principles in the SEAL Teams and the members of Special Operations Command (SOCOM) apply to FORCE BLUE, highly motivated individuals from different backgrounds, coming together to be a part of something larger than themselves. We are taught from the beginning of our career to "lead by example". What better way to inspire our fellow citizens to care for our marine environment than conducting ocean conservation missions in their area.

Luminox: How does your work with FORCE BLUE provide a new sense of mission or purpose?
Gonzo: Often when Special Operations Veterans transition from active duty, they can feel a loss of direction. Having been at the tip of the spear for our nation to civilian life can be extremely stressful. Sadly, this has led to an increase in family stress, depression, even suicide. FORCE BLUE provides our SOCOM veterans with a way to continue to serve and once again be a part of something special. As Special Projects and Events Director, I find great joy watching my fellow veterans take part in the amazing experience of impacting the environment.

Luminox: How has your Navy SEAL training prepared you for your after-service career with FORCE BLUE?
Gonzo: I was able to learn so much as a Navy SEAL and I continue to apply many of those principles in my daily life. One of those principles is "earn your Trident everyday". I use that motto to challenge myself to continue to develop, learn more about the needs of the marine environment and seek new ways that FORCE BLUE can conduct missions to make significant impacts to care for the oceans, rivers, and waterways that we trained and operated in.

Luminox: Your life has been a remarkable journey of service—how do you define "service" now, both to country, fellow veterans, and our oceans?
Gonzo: Service to me now is to use the driving force that allowed me to excel in the Navy and SEAL Teams and utilize that when I am engaging with our scientific partners to be a force multiplier for their missions and goals. At FORCE BLUE as in the SOCOM community we apply a "One Team, One Fight" mentality to achieve mission success. I am extremely honored to continue my legacy of service as a diver for FORCE BLUE.

Luminox: What do you hope people will understand or appreciate about your experience through the story we plan to highlight about you?
Gonzo: While I was just one SEAL Operator in the grand scheme of our Strategic, Operational, and Tactical applications of our nation's missions, I did all in my power to be at my best to make the most impact in support of those needs. I hope that someone reading this can see that while they may feel that they are only "just one person", that they can have a direct impact of marine conservation in their area as well as caring for our planet. Some of the best things that have happened in the history of mankind, have started with one person.

Luminox: What is next for FORCE BLUE?
Gonzo: While we continue to accomplish marine conservation missions such as repairing Florida's coral reef, sea turtle assessments, oyster bed replenishment, and marine debris removal. We are very excited to launch our Tour of Duty, which with the support of Luminox will allow us to visit our National Marine Sanctuaries and working with our scientific partners to conduct various missions as each. We also hope to someday conduct missions in other nations of need in hopes of spreading the word about caring for the marine environment and increasing our FORCE BLUE veteran community internationally!

Luminox: How do you feel about being recognized by Luminox for your service?
Gonzo: I am honored and humbled to be honest. I am reminded of when I was awarded my first Bronze Star, my father asked, "what do I say, congratulations?". I simply told him “You don't have to say anything Dad, so many of my best friends and teammates have done more to receive this award but never returned home to receive it". I love the history of Luminox, and the SEAL Teams and I utilize this recognition as a way to honor their service.

Luminox:We believe that every second counts, how do you make every second in your life and of those around you count?
Gonzo:I have witnessed firsthand in combat and training how your life can change in one second. Therefor I never pass up the chance to tell those closest to me how special they are to me, how much of an impact they had on my life and I do my very best to ensure that I remain positive, cheer those around me up, and when I lay my head down at night that I did at least one thing to make their lives, and world a better place.