Flanked By Russian Soldiers While on Up Close & Personal Mission
This week's Urban Valor episode features Giovanni "Gio" Roman, a Marine, Navy, and Ukrainian armed forces Veteran. Gio, who grew up in southern California, was inspired to join the Marines following his older brother's footsteps and the 9/11 attacks on America. His sense of duty led him to serve not only as a Marine but also as a Navy Corpsman.
After leaving the Navy, Gio's combat medical skills and desire to help drew him to Ukraine's fight against Russian forces. Gio provides detailed accounts of his experiences in close-quarters combat, including assaulting and overtaking Russian-held trenches.
Gio also discusses his initial injury in Ukraine, his return home to recover, and his decision to return to the frontlines. He then recounts the second, more severe injury that resulted in the loss of his eye.