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Severely Wounded Heroes

Romulo “Romy” Camargo

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3

In 2008 while conducting combat operations in both Western and Eastern Afghanistan, Romy's detachment was viciously ambushed. He was severely wounded after sustaining a gunshot wound to the back of the neck, paralyzing him from the neck down.

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Romy Before Injury

Romy's Incredible Story of Bravery & Patriotism

Romulo "Romy" Camargo grew up in Crystal River, Florida and spent his summers visiting distant relatives in Venezuela where his mother had been raised. His father, Dr. Romulo Camargo, was the local pediatrician in town and who, like his wife, was raised outside the United States in Columbia. The tight-knit family was fond of traveling and encouraged their son to partake in sports and enjoy the outdoors. Romy was an avid athlete who during high school participated in wrestling, swimming, track and field, and weight lifting teams. When deciding his next chapter after high school, Romy was inspired by his brother Jorge, who graduated from Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

At 19 years old, Romy entered the U.S. Army. After basic training, he was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield and assigned to Headquarters Company 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. In 1999, he attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course where he was selected to become a Special Forces Communications NCO. Romy graduated from the mentally and physically rigorous Special Forces Qualification Course in March 2001, which opened the doors to overseas deployments to Central and South America, as well as Africa. From November 2004 to July 2005 Romy deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. His continued distinguished service and leadership enabled him to rise up the ranks. Romy was selected to attend the Warrant Officer Candidate Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and graduated in February 2006, as a Warrant Officer One.

During his deployments as a Warrant Officer, he was second in command of his Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) and conducted combat operations in both Western and Eastern Afghanistan. In September 2008, as part of a humanitarian mission in Meydan Kalay, north of Chalakor Valley, Romy's detachment was viciously ambushed. He was severely wounded after sustaining a gunshot wound to the back of the neck, paralyzing him from the neck down. Romy was medically airlifted to Bagram Airfield and once stabilized, moved to Landstuhl, Germany before coming back home and placed at Walter Ree​d National Military Medical Center. While at Walter Reed, doctors ​determined that his C3 vertebra​e ​had been shattered and​ needed to be extracted. ​His​ breathing was tied to​ a respirator, and ​he was​​ paralyzed ​from the shoulders down.​ ​

In June 2015, Romy and his wife Gaby, founded Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center based in Tampa, Florida. Stay in Step serves returning service members and veterans who not only have endured spinal cord injuries but also those with neurological disorders causing paralysis. Romy and Gaby aspire to build a new pilot center complete with an underwater treadmill, basketball court, cafeteria, kids room, and family room. The center will also address healing the mind and soul.

Our Privilege

We Proudly Built A Custom Home for Romy

The Gary Sinise Foundation was proud to build a custom home for Romy, specially adapted to his unique needs.

We've built homes all across the nation for America's most severely wounded heroes. Every home is fully custom and 100% mortgage-free. Learn more about our custom homebuilding programs and support our efforts. Make a donation today.

Wall of Gratitude

Romulo “Romy” Camargo

Because of your bravery, families live free and safe. We will always honor you Romy.
P. Lewis
Colorado
Bless you hero 💪
L. Russell
Connecticut
Much respect 🇺🇸 always.
N. Jackson
Hawaii
Romy, I pray that your days are filled with peace and blessings. You’ve given more than we could ever repay.
R. Blake
Colorado
Thank you for your service
E. Brown
Montana
Romy, what you gave can never be measured. Your strength is remembered and cherished every single day.
J. Jones
New York
You are a reminder that sacrifice has meaning and service carries great honor.
J. Harris
New Hampshire
THANK YOU ROMY. YOU ARE AN AMERICAN HERO.
C. Fields
North Carolina
Your courage encourages me to face my own challenges with faith and determination. Thank you for that gift.
D. Cooper
Louisiana
Your resilience shows us what true strength looks like. Romy, you are a living example of perseverance.
S. Russell
North Carolina
Your story lights a fire in others to keep going. You embody resilience, hope, and courage.
H. Beck
Texas
  

 
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