Photo By Capt. Dakota Fortuna-Chun | Sgt. Lelo “Steven” Toko of 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division... read more read more
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SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Sgt. Lelo “Steven” Toko’s path to 4th Reconnaissance Battalion began in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Sgt. Toko’s father sought political asylum in the United States in 1996, while Sgt. Toko remained in the Congo with his mother and two siblings during two wars that swept through the country. With U.S. diplomatic facilities closed because of the conflict, the family’s journey to the United States was delayed until 1999, when they traveled through Cameroon and finally reunited with Sgt. Toko’s father. The family settled in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Sgt. Toko later completed trade school in Virginia.
“Reuniting with my father was a surreal moment because we weren’t sure we would survive the wars,” Sgt. Toko said. “We lost so many family members and friends to the violence that we didn’t know if we would be next. Beginning a new life in the United States of America gave me hope for my future knowing that I would be able to live out my purpose.”
After moving to Texas in 2012, Sgt. Toko became a locomotive engineer and later joined the Marine Corps out of a deep sense of duty. He describes service to others as central to his sense of purpose and credits the Corps with instilling the discipline to pursue it.
With 11 years of service, Sgt. Toko is an Automotive Maintenance Technician (MOS 3521) and a Marksmanship Coach (MOS 0933). He also serves as the funeral honors coordinator for 4th Reconnaissance Battalion and has spent the last seven years on active duty support orders.
One of Sgt. Toko’s most influential Marine Corps experiences was the Sergeants Course in Quantico, Virginia, where 1st Sgt. Chase McGrorty-Hunter challenged the way Sgt. Toko viewed education and leadership. McGrorty-Hunter emphasized that professional development does not end with experience or rank and that Marines must continue learning in order to master the fundamentals and develop those around them.
McGrorty-Hunter’s example also encouraged Sgt. Toko to pursue goals outside his comfort zone. Sgt. Toko credits that experience with motivating him to pursue his bachelor’s degree and reinforcing his belief that continued education is essential to becoming a better Marine, leader and person.
Sgt. Toko speaks English, French, Lingala and Kikongo. His wife is also from the Congo, and together they are raising a son and daughter. Sgt. Toko earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations in December 2024 and is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration. His long-term goal is to work for the Department of State and one day serve as a U.S. ambassador.
“One of my favorite quotes comes from Dr. Myles Munroe: ‘An army of sheep led by a lion will always defeat an army of lions led by a sheep.' This quote reminds me that strong leadership can inspire ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Great leaders can turn fear into courage and uncertainty into confidence.”
Sgt. Toko said that belief has shaped both his Marine Corps service and his aspirations for a career in diplomacy and public service.
“I want to carry forward the same values the Marine Corps has instilled in me: honor, courage, commitment, integrity and selfless service. Whether in uniform or serving in a diplomatic role, I hope to lead with character, inspire others and make a positive difference in the lives of those I serve.”
From Kinshasa to 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, Sgt. Toko’s journey reflects an enduring commitment to faith, family, service and the country that became his home.
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2026 13:18 |
| Story ID: | 572240 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, From Kinshasa to the Corps: Sgt. Toko’s Life of Service, by CPT Dakota Fortuna-Chun, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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