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7th Comm loses father figure as non-combat related death claims Marine communicator

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 4/6/2004

Story by Cpl. Ryan D. Libbert

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan (April 5, 2004) -- Despite its inevitability, the loss of a loved one is something no one wants to experience. The 7th Communication Battalion family recently lost a leader, father and a friend in Master Sgt. Timothy Toney.

Thirty-seven-year-old Master Sergeant Timothy Toney, communications chief from Transmission Platoon, Company B, 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group died unexpectedly on March 27 while serving in Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Although the cause of his death is still under investigation, Marine Corps officials said it was not combat related. Toney collapsed that afternoon in the vicinity of his billeting area at Camp Wolverine, Kuwait.

Originally serving as an individual augmentee for I MEF in Kuwait, Toney's communication skills were quickly noticed and he was assigned as the communications chief for Communication Company, 1st Marine Division.

Before joining the ranks at 7th Comm, Toney had served in numerous communications billets at Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Va.; and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Toney also served three years as a Drill Instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.

Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, Toney may not have been the biggest Marine in the ranks but according to those with whom he served, Toney's caring attitude, professional character and deep love for Corps, family and community were that of a giant.

"He was very people oriented. What he enjoyed most about being a Marine was being around young Marines," said Lt. Col. James B. Miller, battalion commander for 7th Comm. "The last conversation he and I had was the day before he left for Kuwait. He was the most senior enlisted of the group we sent to the Middle East and he told me 'Sir, don't worry about anything, I'll make sure the Marines get home safely.'"

While serving under Miller, Toney brought an optimistic approach to the work environment.

"He always maintained his composure," Miller continued. "When everything was in disarray around him he was the calming force. He was always the eternal optimist, he's the guy who always saw the glass half full instead of half empty."

Aside from his duties with the battalion, Toney also put in much of his time for volunteer work as well.

"He was very involved with the Masons and the Shriners," Miller mentioned. "He was involved in maintenance and grounds keeping work at local cemeteries, nursing homes and elementary schools. He was also the driving force in the Special Olympics every year."

As a hobby, Toney also served the battalion by coaching their basketball team which won numerous Commanding General's Cup Tournaments since 1999.

"Almost every day at lunchtime you would see him at the House of Pain playing basketball," Miller added. "His fellow competitors would describe him as a guy that would compete with you to the limit. He would give you an elbow in your chest and when you looked around he'd have a smile on his face. Even in the heat of competition he'd have a smile on his face."

As a leader, Toney cared for his junior Marines like a father would his children. His inspiration made a lasting impression on them.

"I have served under many Staff NCOs since I've been with 7th Comm and he was one of the best," said Pfc. Christopher J. McMillian, field radio operator. "He was just an all-around great person. You could go to him for anything, personal problems or not, it didn't matter, he was always helping people."

All who served with him agree that Toney's care for his Marines ran deep in his veins, with his actions reflected in his attitude.

"Whenever he was here everyone was happy, we all loved working for him," McMillian said. "He was a good person to be around. He was always smiling and joking around with us. He even spoke up for me at my NJP hearing where he said the greatest things."

His teachings did not only affect his junior Marines, his fellow Staff NCOs also benefited from his knowledge as well, according to Staff Sgt. Orlando Nieves, platoon sergeant and radio chief for terrestrial platoon, Company B, 7th Comm.

"The thing I learned best from him was to always take care of your Marines, always look out for their welfare and keep them technically proficient," Nieves said. "He was a stellar Marine, definitely someone that you would want to emulate. He was a man of good character and was both professional and personal. He definitely made me look forward to coming to work everyday."

As a friend to Toney for nearly nine years, Nieves now reflects on what his platoon will be missing now that it no longer has Toney's smiling face to adorn it.

"The Marines here will be missing so much but the one thing that stands out the most is his good attitude," Orlando said. "I've never known anyone quite like him that brought fun into the work environment."

Memorial services have been held in Kuwait, Okinawa, his home in South Carolina and in California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that capitol flags would be flown at half-mast March 29 in Toney's honor.

Toney is survived by his wife Delores, stepdaughters Tiwana S. Jenkins and Jamie L. Jenkins, stepson James Jenkins III, and twin daughters Ti'ana and Ti'ara Toney.

Toney leaves behind a legacy in the Marine Corps for all who knew him to model their careers after. For those he followed he never let them down, for those he led he cared deeply for, and for those he befriended he taught and groomed them well.

"The battalion will miss his enthusiasm most of all," Miller concluded. "You never saw him when he didn't have a smile on his face. Every photograph I've seen of him proves that. The Marines responded to his enthusiasm, they knew he loved what he was doing and that he loved being around them. He showed them that they can be professional and still have a good time doing your job."