Celebrating a Decade of Service and Dedication: Meet Tony Romano, HOPE’s Volunteer of the Month

For over ten years, Tony Romano has been an invaluable part of the Hope For The Warriors community, repeatedly supportingthe mission in ways both big and small. From attending events to rolling up his sleeves and volunteering, Tony embodies the spirit of service, making a lasting impact on those around him.

When Tony learned he was named the Volunteer of the Month for September, he was surprised and humbled. As a retired Marine Corps veteran, Tony has been actively involved with Hope For The Warriors for over a decade, dedicating his time and effort to various events, including the annual Hope For The Warriors Celebrity Invitational. As HOPE’s Director of Donor Events, Danielle Rose, explains, his long-standing commitment to the organization and willingness to go above and beyond for fellow veterans and the community have made him a cornerstone of HOPE’s volunteer force. “Tony has been involved with HOPE long before me, and it has been so heartwarming to watch his connection grow in just the short time that I’ve known him. Tony represented HOPE at several events this year alone, including two new opportunities. He elevated his connection from an event attendee to a guest speaker at this year’s Kayak For The Warriors at Pine Knoll Shores. He completely moved the crowd with his personal story of strength, stability, and community.”

In addition to his moving speech at Kayak For The Warriors,Tony continues to shine with his dedication to the annual Hope For The Warriors Celebrity Invitational, Danielle added. “For me, his standout volunteer moment occurs each year at the Hope For The Warriors Celebrity Invitational. Tony arranged to borrow golf clubs from the Paradise Point Golf Course aboard MCB Camp Lejeune for HOPE to use as rental clubs for our many guests who attend the Celebrity Invitational event each August. Tony negotiates the arrangement, picks up the clubs, delivers them to River Landing, personally hands them out to those who need them, collects them at the end, and returns them to the course. He assumes the responsibility and accountability, and that selflessness is why he is a top-notch volunteer!”

When asked how he felt about receiving the Volunteer of the Month award, Tony said, “I would have never guessed. I like to volunteer and help out anytime, but I would never have expected to be recognized this way.” His modesty shines through, but his dedication is undeniable. Tony’s journey with Hope For The Warriors began when he reached out for services nearly ten years ago. Initially, he was denied services, which admittedly left a sour taste. However, Lee Bonar, a veteran and HOPE’s Military Relations Director, encouraged Tony to reapply, opening the door to a partnership that has since flourished.

Tony’s connection to the organization only deepened when Scott Griffith, another fellow veteran, became part of the Hope ForThe Warriors Military Relations team. “Scott and I are best of friends,” Tony explained. This friendship and his passion for supporting veterans led Tony to participate more actively in the organization’s various events and initiatives, often alongside his family. His wife, Shanna, and his daughters, Dallas and Toni, have joined him at several HOPE events, such as Warrior Nights at the Celebrity Invitational, Kayak For The Warriors, and the Block Party during the Jacksonville Run For The Warriors. “I love that they encourage family to participate,” Tony said. The opportunity at Warrior Night in Wallace, N.C., was unique, especially for his family. “While it’s not exactly the same, there are some [military] traditions they weren’t privy to during active duty. They see the camaraderie and the togetherness. It ties it all together.”

Reflecting on the organization’s growth over the years, Tony has seen firsthand the increasing number of events and opportunities to support veterans. “There are definitely more events now, both in the local area and along the coast,” he said. He attributes his broadened awareness to his close relationship with Scott and his involvement in the growing number of Hope For The Warriors programs.

Tony believes that the camaraderie fostered through these events is crucial to what makes them unique. The golf tournaments, fishing events, and peer-to-peer support groups are therapeutic and provide a sense of community that many veterans long for. “Being around like-minded people is always a huge benefit to me,” Tony said. He values the opportunity to connect with others who understand the struggles veterans face, such as PTSD and the isolation that often accompanies it.

A retired Marine with 21 and a half years of service, Tony’s experience spans three combat tours and 11 years abroad. “I’ve got no complaints, man,” he said. “We enjoyed every minute of it.” His time in the military shaped him, but it’s his ongoing connection with Hope For The Warriors that has provided him with a supportive community to lean on, particularly in tough times.

For Tony, volunteering goes far beyond showing up. At events like the Celebrity Invitational at River Landing in Wallace, he takes on various tasks, from transporting golf clubs to assisting veterans in getting around. He explains, “I help clean up, I help set up, I transport veterans – I do whatever they need.” His willingness to take on any task, no matter how small, exemplifies his selflessness and dedication to the cause. His efforts go a long way in ensuring that these events run smoothly and that veterans feel valued and supported.