Only in America could a child, escaping from Castro’s Communist Cuba, grow up to command the most advanced ship in the U.S. Navy, work in the White House and start a successful small business.
As a small child, Carlos’ family escaped Communist Cuba after his father, an anti-Castro activist, was paroled just in time to receive exit visas for the United States. The Del Toro family settled in the Hell’s Kitchen section of New York City. His father worked multiple hard jobs and his mother worked as a maid and factory worker.
Even though he grew up in a rat-infested building, and had to take a bus and two trains to school, Carlos Del Toro graduated 3rd in his high-school class. Inspired to serve his country, he applied and was accepted into the Naval Academy in Annapolis.
26 years of Military Service
Commander Del Toro’s distinguished 26-year Naval career includes combat experience during the Persian Gulf War, advanced studies and leadership in senior governmental positions.
In 1999, Commander Del Toro was chosen to command the construction and operation of the Navy’s newest Arleigh Burke class destroyer. The USS Bulkeley, a $1 billion ship, was commissioned in early December, 2001, in the shadow of the World Trade Center ruins.
National and Regional Public Service
In 1998, Commander Del Toro was selected to serve as a White House fellow. While in the White House, Carlos worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget, senior staff and advisors, helping President Clinton to balance the federal budget while advocating for our military servicemembers.
Commander Del Toro is a Past President and current member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Capital Chapter. During his tenure as President, Carlos lead the Board of Directors in raising over $5 million to support research into the causes and treatment of juvenile diabetes. Carlos’ own son suffers from the disease, and he remains strongly committed to increasing state support for research and other life saving scientific advances.
Small Business Owner and Leader
Today, Commander Del Toro is the CEO of SBG Technology Solutions, an IT and Engineering Services company that provides engineering services. As a local small business owner, Del Toro faces the daily challenges of employees fighting an insufficient transportation system, an illogical health care market and ever-changing state and federal tax laws and regulations.
He also serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Council on Small Business, where he advocates for improved health care, reliable infrastructure and simpler tax policies for small and growing businesses.
Veterans for Del Toro is a group of retired servicemembers who are committed to bringing focus, commitment and passion to the Virginia Legislature by helping elect Commander Carlos Del Toro (Ret).