Granby State Sen. Kevin Witkos Names Simsbury Resident John Romano Veteran of the Month

State Sen. Kevin Witkos has named former Simsbury Board of Selectmen member John Romano as the Veteran of the Month.

“Tech Sergeant John Romano is one tough and brave American,” Witkos said.“Vietnam War veterans were not always embraced and thanked by the public, which makes it all the more important that we thank and honor people like John today and share his story of selflessness and strength.”

Romano was born in Bronx, NY in 1945 and knew he wanted to join the Air Force. He graduated from high school in 1963 and waited to hear on being drafted into the Army. He waited about a year and decided instead to join the Air Force. He received notification about the Army draft a week after enlisting.

He wanted to serve in Vietnam and became involved in air rescue training as a para jumper rescuer.

Romano’s job was to fly into often-dangerous territory to quickly extract injured soldiers. He would perform immediate first aid and then lift the injured back up into the helicopter.

“Our technology was not meant to work under trees, under bushes,” Romano said. “But the scariest moments was after I got everyone up and was on my way back.”

Being a para jumper rescuer was dangerous because they would often find themselves in close combat situations.

Romano served 11 months and 21 days in Vietnam. He would’ve likely served longer, but he was injured on his last mission when his helicopter pilot pulled up quickly when it came under fire. Romano’s line snapped, which temporarily paralyzed his legs and back.

“Giving up my life for a while, being in harm’s way for the good of freedom for people, I never felt was wrong, but others did. And I still don’t feel that that was wrong. That was just something that we did,” Romano said. “We were Americans… we were always trying to help people out.”

After serving, Romano pursued an education at Manhattan College in New York and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He worked as a design engineer and manager in nuclear waste handling systems for 18 years. He is currently employed as a Project Manager for the Waste to Energy Facility at the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) where he has worked for the past 27 years.

Romano also pursued an active role in his community after service, volunteering as a religious education teacher, serving on the Simsbury aging and disability commission, holding a board position at the YMCA, and serving on the Simsbury Board of Selectmen for 10 years. He also currently serves as a VFW Commander.

Romano has been married to his wife Carol for 39 years. Together they have three daughters: Stacy, Lyndsay and Victoria.

Romano’s full story and a video interview and photos can be found on senatorwitkos.com and at the following link.

Senator Witkos’ “Veteran of the Month” program features the stories of local veterans each month through text and video. Each story highlights the veteran’s unique experiences and acts of service. To nominate a local veteran to be a “Veteran of the Month” please contact Christopher Diorio at the CT Senate Republican Office by calling (860) 240-8801 or emailing Chris.Diorio@cga.ct.gov.