Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Tterlikkis began his service to the nation in April 1997 when he enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard. After completing Individual Infantry Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he served with the 3rd Battalion, 124th Regiment, 53rd Infantry Brigade. In 2004, he reenlisted into the Air Force Reserve and joined the 919th Security Forces Squadron at Duke Field.
There, Tterlikkis’ career was defined by his relentless pursuit of mission readiness. He held key leadership roles, including Operations Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Training, and Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element (DAGRE) Program Manager. Whether training DAGRE teams for high-threat environments or ensuring Airmen met the highest standards of combat preparedness, he never accepted anything less than excellence.
“Tterlikkis’ expectations were high because he knew what was at stake,” said Censabella. “He prepared us not just to do the job, but to survive it—to watch out for each other, to be ready for the worst and never back down.”
Beyond his military career, Tterlikkis dedicated himself to public service as a law enforcement officer. Joining the Tallahassee Police Department in 1990, he served for over three decades before retiring as a full-time officer. His impact extended beyond the streets—he played a critical role in crisis response as an assistant squad leader for the Special Response Team and mentored future law enforcement professionals through the Cadet Program.
As the ruck march continued, each step was a testament to the values Tterlikkis instilled in those who followed him—endurance, discipline, and the willingness to push forward, no matter the challenge.
“This ruck wasn’t just about remembering Stepho,” said Censabella. “It was about carrying on what he stood for—about proving to ourselves that we are ready, that we can bear the weight, and that we will always look out for one another.”
The 1st Annual Memorial Ruck was a commitment to honor a warfighter’s spirit. A commitment to ensure that Tterlikkis teachings of discipline, toughness, and brotherhood endure. The burdens he once carried for his team now rest on the shoulders of those he left behind—not as a weight to bear, but as a responsibility to uphold.
Although Tterlikkis may no longer ruck among them, but his presence remains, guiding the 919 SOSFS forward—one step, one mission, one Airman at a time.
