Steve graduated from UCLA with a B.A. degree in Economics and has lived in Seal Beach, California since 1972. After 36 years in national sales and sales management, he retired from Vision Service Plan (VSP) in 2009.

Soon after retirement, Steve began his quest to learn more about the World War II experiences of his father, pilot Howard Snyder, and his crew of the B-17, Susan Ruth, named after his older sister. It became his passion, and after 4 1/2 years of dedicated research, resulted in his book, Shot Down which has win 25 book awards.

One result of his new career as a World War II historian is that he is a member of numerous World War II associations and is President of the 306th Bomb Group Historical Association and on the Board of Directors of the 8th Air Force Historical Society..