War veteran opens up about the reality of survivor’s guilt

(Warning: The conversation in this video is graphic and may incite strong emotions especially those associated with PTSD)

Barry Romo volunteered to fight in the Vietnam war while his nephew, Robert Romo, who was apprehensive to join was drafted into the Army.  Barry was commissioned as a lieutenant and Bobby entered as a Private but both ended up in the same Army brigade in Vietnam.

Bobby hoped his his uncle Barry could protect him during the war and asked for his protection.  Unfortunately, Barry was not able to save his nephew and in Barry’s mind his nephew actually saved him because he was able to leave Vietnam to escort his body.

Barry said, “You know, I thought I was gonna die in Vietnam. But I didn’t have to go back there. I had my ticket punched by my nephew’s blood. And I felt that I failed him, I failed my family. And, uh, I still feel guilty to this day.”