Page 27

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<< 26. Some Barry Romo Memories

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Barry Romo Memories

By VVAW and Friends

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Jeff Machota:
My good friend, comrade, and leader of Vietnam Veterans Against the War for over 53 years passed away last night—on May Day—at the age of 76. Barry Romo has been a close friend for over 35 years. Please share your memories of Barry here. There will be more details and tributes to come. Barry Romo, Presente!

Aaron Hughes:
I'll miss you, Barry.

Tim Teater:
My sincere condolences to Barry's family and all of his VVAW family. Barry and VVAW changed my life forever in a profoundly positive way. Barry and VVAW opened my eyes to many ideas and possibilities and made me a better person and I am eternally grateful. Rest in Peace Barry in the knowledge you made a positive difference.

Kenneth Dalton:
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I met him on several occasions in NYC and DC and it was a real pleasure to be in his company.

Patrick McCann:
I can still picture staying at his place on a trip to Chicago decades ago. He and I just sitting around the kitchen table talking.

I remember marching (and being in a ruckus) in Philly for the Buy-Centennial.

Dewey Canyon IV in DC where we all picked up somebody's car that was parked in our way, and moved it across the street, ha ha!

Rest In Power, Barry!

Christy Vinter Klim:
I met Barry in the 80's, while planning and attending Dewey Canyon IV. His steadfast commitment to anti-war activism has been a constant source of inspiration. He was a master storyteller, with a sparkle of humor mixed in. The world has lost a bright light. Barry Romo, presente!

Lori Ann Payne:
I knew Barry from the post office at O'Hare. What a great guy! I will miss his wit and his smile. He was a very special guy.

Gerald R Gioglio:
Condolences to the family. You ran the race, now Rest in Peace.

Jim Wohlgemuth:
I did not know Barry personally but I knew him from the VVAW news and actions. He was one of the inspirations that got me to start sending in my dues. That is why when I got the email, Barry Romo, Presente, my heart just sank.

Steve Geiger:
Very sorry to hear of his passing. I knew Barry through his organizing and writing in VVAW. And on at least one occasion when he came to New York. He was a sharp wit and tireless worker for the anti-war movement. One of our Best and Brightest, impossible to replace. The stars are falling, but their work will carry on. PRESENTE!

Mark Hartford:
I first met Barry when he was 14. I was 13 and we were freshman in high school. Later, after graduation, Barry, Jeff (another friend) and I joined the Army. We were together through basic and then never saw each other again until we were all out. Barry and Jeff then moved into my garage and we all went back to school on the GI bill... during this time Barry was invited to participate in the Winter Soldier Investigation put on by VVAW. He came back with a box of VVAW pins and a mission of organizing VVAW in CA. I volunteered to help and off we went. We spoke at high schools, people's homes and many campuses throughout CA. Barry went off to the national office and I started working on getting an older vet (Gary Lawton) out of jail and free from charges of killing 2 police officers in Riverside. The rest, as they say, is history. We have stayed in touch over the years. He was my friend longer than anyone else I know. RIP my brother. You deserve it.

Arny Stieber:
I was aVVAW Michigan coordinator for a bit and had Barry speak, via speaker phone (pre Zoom), in Detroit at a showing of Winter Soldier. I moved to Chicago and met Barry. We spoke at a number of high schools in Chicago. He was very open with the students and gave them the real picture of war. He'll be missed.

Kaley Clements:
I am very sorry to hear about Barry's passing.

https://youtu.be/3uunJ7BuxQQ

This is a video I made of Barry back in 2009 about his peace trip to HaNoi during the 1972 Christmas Bombings. He went to HaNoi during the American War in Vietnam as part of a peace delegation with Telford Taylor, Joan Baez, and Reverend Michael Allen. Thanks so much for sharing your time with me and helping to bring an end to the unjust American War in Vietnam. I was sad to hear of your passing today, but your legacy of love and courage will live on as a reminder for the power of peaceful protest and that an individual's actions can help bring about big change. Much Love,

Roberto Clack:
Rest In Power Barry Romo! My condolences to VVAW and Barry's family.

Kurt Hilgendorf:
Barry was an inspiration and mentor to generations of justice-seeking people. A true people's champion. RIP, Barry, we'll all miss you.

Claire Shimabukuro:
Barry Romo was a leader and a hero.

Barry sat next to my cousin Scott on the Third World panel at the Winter Soldier Investigation in Detroit in 1971. VVAW organized the investigation to expose the immorality and brutal imperialism of the USA. The Third World panel spoke frankly about the racism and misogyny within the military, against the Vietnamese people and within the US. Barry spoke about the heavy casualties suffered by Chicanos and Puerto Rican soldiers.

When I moved to Chicago from Hawaii in '77, I spent a lot of time at the VVAW house, using their printing machine to produce leaflets. I got to know and break bread with Barry, Eddie, Pete, Bill and others. They were deep and honorable men, forever haunted by their war experiences and dedicated warriors for justice because of them.

Barry told me that he will forever remember two examples of heroism in Vietnam: one was a man who told Barry that he would never carry a weapon and so he went into the field, into battles carrying no firearms and served as a medic and the other was a Black soldier who, one day, handed his rifle to Barry and said, "they killed Martin Luther King today. I will no longer fight for America—it's not my country." Barry asked him if he knew what was in store for him in the stockade and being dishonorably discharged and the man said "yes." Barry was overwhelmed emotionally as he watched the soldier being marched away by MPs.

Barry Romo was the chair and chief coordinator of the Rich Off Our Backs demo in Philadelphia in '76. He later spoke to me about issues of sectarianism and homophobia being deterrents to a united front.

I marched alongside Barry and the vets on the '78 African Liberation Day in DC. The cause of defeating apartheid in South Africa was triumphant in great part to a worldwide united front support effort.

I am grateful to have been able to visit with Barry a couple of times back in Chicago in '16 and '17. He was always warm and comradely. All of our conversations were neither shallow nor academically theoretical. They were always deep, reflective and thoughtful.

I cannot fathom that he is gone.

Barry Romo: PRESENTE!

Helen Horn:
My deep sympathy to Barry's family and many many friends. We go back to the 1972 Democratic and Republican conventions in Miami. Too many memories need to be shared some future evening sitting with a bottle of rum (or not) among some of his many friends.

Dana Hall:
Feel so fortunate to cross Barry's path in Chicago and get to know him a little… Bunked in the same room and was sad to witness that he still had bad dreams after all those years… Respected him so much, I understand that he was an effective but patient leader that didn't bust his subordinates. I was so screwed up in Chicago, recovering from a year of HepC treatment, wishing I would have stayed in better touch with Barry and other VVAW members. Rest in Peace Barry….

Jeanne Friedman:
I met Barry (and Mark Hartford) in San Bernardino sometime between 1969 and 1971. He was a dynamic and thoughtful anti-war activist, using his wartime experience to bring others to understand the true nature of the Vietnam war. He was a powerful comrade and friend, and a truth-teller for many years. He will be missed.

John Zutz:
I ran into Barry the first time at a VVAW July 4 campout in the mid-80s. He was the established leader, I was the FNG. Feeling patriotic, I draped Old Glory over the stage. Soon he approached and asked me to remove the flag since it had dominated so many instances of horrendous persecution and sadism. Being the rookie I complied, but by the next morning my tent was decorated with a dozen small flags. He was big enough that he didn't say anything till later. We sat around the fire while he explained the aversion to celebrating the flag and how it was being used by "patriots." Then he changed his mind after I explained that the flag was programmed into us, and that it caused a reflex reaction, and that it belonged to all of us. He realized we could despair the negatives but use the positives. Imagine that—a leader who could change his stand! We got along just fine for all those years. RIP

Joe Petzel:
Met Barry when the National Office moved to Chicago in the early 70s. Didn't always agree with him but we were brothers in our efforts to end that war. He was all in. Rest in Peace brother.

Diane Ford:
In some ways, this is the hardest phase of life. It seems that the forces-that-be hover over us, picking us off one by one at will. But how lucky we are to have made it this far! Barry and his comrades dedicated their entire adult lives to social justice. No matter what your politics are, how can you not be moved and thankful to them? Goodbye, Barry from just one more person who, over the years, forever saw your light.

Bruce E. Bernstein:
Barry Romo was a titan, a great man and also a good man. That is a rare combination.

I knew Barry from 1976, the July 4th "Rich Off Our Backs" coalition. Several of the leaders—Barry, Ed Damato from VVAW in NY, Glenn Kirby, and maybe one or two others shared a small, sort of run down apt in South Philadelphia which they called The Barracks. I was the head of youth work for the coalition. We later set up a house in N. Philly, even more run down, and figured if Barry et. al. had The Barracks, we would call our place The Pits. Which it was.

I later moved to Chicago and recall well the great old Vets House that Barry lived in on the South Side, and some of the other VVAW leaders who lived there.

Barry was a true leader and also an approachable humanist. He will be missed but his legacy will live on.

Andy Berman:
I lived in Chicago for many years, active in the Veterans for Peace Chapter which often worked with VVAW on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and other peace and justice events. Barry was always warm and welcoming, the epitome of a terrific organizer.

In difficult times when political differences threaten unity in the progressive community, Barry was a voice for unity. His lessons live on.

Cat Miller Harper:
Barry, Thank you for sowing seeds to fight for justice in so many hearts, including mine, which now aches that you are gone. What a firecracker you were! I hope you are able to rest now without the bad dreams, in a place of everlasting peace. Presente!

Joan Davis:
Barry was a great friend and fighter for veterans. I have so many memories of the many years we advocated for veterans rights. He spoke at my high school history class for many years, inspiring and hopefully scaring the heck out of students considering the service. A little crazy. Full of love. He will be missed.

Joe Rubas:
My sincere condolences to all of Barry's family, friends, and amazing members of VVAW. I first met Barry in one of Joe Miller's classes at UIUC in 1992. I cannot think of another moment in my life where one person's words changed the way I thought about EVERYTHING. Barry was courageous, tough, compassionate, brilliant, and inspirational. Barry helped me connect with my uncle who had been severely wounded in Vietnam in a way that would not have been possible before I met Barry. Barry helped me understand. Barry completely changed the trajectory of my life for the better. I am forever grateful that I got to meet Barry. A true hero. One of a kind.

Monique Lewis:
My condolences to the family! Barry was a great friend. I am truly going to miss him and our talks. Rest Well Soldier In God's Arms! You and Bobby are once again together!

Buzz Doyle:
More thought, feelings than I can write here. He was my friend and will be missed.

Richard Grossman:
First met Barry in the 1980s when I was manager of the New World Resource Center bookstore in Chicago. Barry lived a few blocks away and would stop by to drop off copies of The Veteran. A great person and a great Comrade. Will be missed. Rest in Power Companero!

Dave Kettenhofen:
Barry was a comrade, mentor, and most importantly a good friend. I feel privileged to have served with him in the National Office. Rest in Peace brother.

Keith Stoney:
You were a great friend. I will miss you dearly.

Mardi Johnson:
Rest in the assurance your heroism, bravery, commitment and love will not be forgotten.
Love you, Mardi.

Meg Miner:
I'm grateful to have met such a powerful force of nature. A real advocate for his beliefs and the people he believed in...and no shrinking violet in calling out BS when he smelled it! So glad to be on the same side as Barry!

On hearing the news, the first thought that came to mind was of his bone crushing hugs—talk about leaving an impression! And he had a ready smile that always made me feel welcome. I also remember lots of laughter and camaraderie among the kitchen crew as we cleaned pots and pans and giant coffee makers during Chicago Stand Down.

Peter Zastrow:
We worked together in the VVAW national office from 1974 on. He was a significant anti-war voice, later a voice for veterans. The heart and soul of VVAW for 50 years. A great loss.

Ken Nielsen:
So many memories with Barry from meetings in the VVAW "offices" in the back of the New World Resource Center to Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, stories and drunkenness at Quenchers, getting yelled at while doing security at IVAW's Winter Soldier, Homeless Veteran Standdowns, VVAW campouts, Milwaukee Brew Fest and so many more. Barry was an inspiration, a leader and a mentor as well as someone who could be infuriating once he got his mind stuck on something. One of a kind. He will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in power Barry.

John Ketwig:
What sad, terrible news! We all counted on Barry, as an organizer, speaker, and inspiration. He always answered his phone, and always had something important or insightful to offer. Most of all, I will miss him as simply a nice guy, and someone who dared to carry more than his share of the load. RIP Barry.

Marcus W Waller:
Barry was our Union Rep at the Post Office. I met him when I started in 86. I was immediately impressed with his savvy, determination and his need to help others. OMG he was determined. He needed to be of service. In any way form or fashion. His status as a Vietnam Vet was at once a privilege for me and was, it seemed to me, a haunting reminder of all the poisonous things our country and society could bring to its people. Yet Barry shined….he persevered and took his experiences and used them as a badge of courage….maybe even armor. He fought seemingly every day for the everyday man or woman at work. When I disclosed my HIV status at work his friendship never waivered, it in fact intensified. When he went home he was still in the trenches with his visits to schools and his continuous work with VVAW. He was an amazing force of nature. It was an honor to know, laugh and love him.

Peace Be With You All

Matt Muchowski:
Barry was a great activist and advocate for peace and veterans physical and mental health. He frequently joined our pickets with VA workers. He will be missed.

Joleen Kirschenman:
Barry always greeted me with a big smile and a big hug. I will miss those and just having him around. His work with anti-war veterans through the decades has cemented his legacy. So many memories. Rest in power, my friend.

Larry and Wendi Goldman:
We knew and were friends with Barry for many years. A great person that dedicated his entire life to fighting for poor and working people everywhere. You will truly be missed by many. Love you

Judith Ashton:
My memories of Barry begin in 1961 when I met Barry and Mark Hartford during high school. He quickly became a brother and member of my family. During high school we argued constantly about politics as Barry was a big Goldwater supporter. But then he went to Vietnam as a 19 year old second lieutenant. And then his nephew was killed in Vietnam and Barry came home.

Then everything changed. He became involved in the anti-war effort and recruiting and leading the VVAW chapter in our town of San Bernardino. One of the events I remember vividly was the guerrilla theater at local malls. Barry was arrested at one of those, of course.

As a teacher at a local community college, I was able to fly Barry from Chicago back to San Bernardino for speeches at my college. Several VVAW members participated with Barry.

Barry was very close to my parents. He and my mother Alice Ashton argued, laughed and loved each other. He was a special person to my father and to my sister Patty—he was a best friend.

Patty dated Barry in high school and has great stories to add to those days.

There are so many heartfelt memories listed here from VVAW and friends. I cry as I read them.

Barry was always a loving, thoughtful person. I wish I had seen him in more recent years. The last time I saw Barry was about 5 years ago, and we had dinner at his favorite Mexican restaurant in his neighborhood.

I will never forget Barry and his tremendous devotion for peace, to his fellow vets, and his work with VVAW.

He was and is an inspiration.

Rest in peace my friend

Ray Parrish:
Barry got me to my first chapter meeting in May 1983 where I met Roni. For the next 29 years she and I did veteran counseling and hosted many VVAW meetings. Barry made this work possible.

Barry gave me 40 years of love.

Marc Kitchel:
I met Barry and Mark Hartford in Riverside, California in the early 1970s. He was such a courageous, dedicated, skilled, tireless and powerful advocate and organizer for peace, justice, and veterans. RIP.

Kelly Dougherty:
Barry was instrumental in the founding and growth of Iraq Veterans Against the War. So many of our actions, from Winter Soldier to Operation First Casualty and more, were inspired by VVAW actions. Barry supported and encouraged us younger vets when we got home and felt all turned inside out and full of anger and grief and confused energy. He went through hell and because of it he did all he could to throw a wrench in the war machine. I miss him.

Shawna:
I felt like I didn't really belong in the anti-war movement and Barry quickly helped me feel included and taught me about survivor guilt back in 2010. He was so powerful and approachable, you felt like you knew him forever after just meeting him. I regret not having more time with him, and am so glad to see everyone else share stories of his life. I hope I can be half as good as him to people in movement.

Diane Stokes:
Rest in Power! Barry devoted his life to building the Anti-war Movement, We must carry on his work.

Wanda E Nieves:
I knew Barry from HS, we were close friends along with a group we used to hang out with, he was a great friend. I met with him in Chicago a few years ago and talked about our HS years, those were good memories. Wish I knew what happened in order for me to pass the word on to his classmates.

Karin and Fred Schein:
Let's all commit to keeping Barry's spirit alive by fighting for justice

Richard Stacewicz:
I saw Barry before I met him. I was standing at the corner of Jackson and LaSalle in Chicago near the Federal building waiting for the start of an anti-war rally to protest the commencement of Operation Desert Storm in January 1991. I noticed a guy crossing the street towards the rally when suddenly, a Chicago Police paddy wagon pulled up next to him. Three cops hopped out and within seconds had Barry face-down on the asphalt, handcuffed him and threw him in the back of the van. It all happened so quickly that no one had a chance to come to his assistance.

I didn't know who Barry was at the time. The next morning, I heard a report on our local NPR station about the previous evening's rally. During that brief report, they mentioned that there had been one arrest. Barry Romo of the VVAW had been arrested for assaulting a police officer. I realized that I had witnessed the arrest and the only assault I had seen was carried out by the police.

I looked up Barry's name in the phone book and called him to offer my assistance if he needed it since I had witnessed the arrest. He didn't answer so I left him a message on his answering machine with my contact information. He called the next day and thanked me but let me know that this was not his first arrest when trying to speak out and that charges would inevitably be dropped. We talked about the VVAW briefly and then hung up.

I was a graduate student in history with a specialization in US Foreign Policy and Imperialism/Decolonization. I had heard of VVAW in my studies of the Vietnam War but found there was almost nothing written about the VVAW. I called Barry back and asked if I could interview him. This was the genesis of the book, Winter Soldiers: An Oral History of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War. We spent a number of days together where Barry described his upbringing before the war, his service, and his transformation from an unthinking enlistee to an anti-war activist.

Barry then provided me with connections to members of the VVAW who then connected me with still others. Over the next two years, I traveled across the country interviewing members of VVAW. Barry and I often met during that time so I could get further information about specific events and meetings mentioned by other members. He was an invaluable resource. Barry also visited my classes to talk about the VVAW and he continued to speak out about the VVAW and against wars at numerous venues. At times, we would speak together at events. He was indefatigable and committed to his anti-war and anti-racist work throughout his life after returning from Vietnam. He'll be sorely missed.

Nadya M. Williams:
As an associate member of Veterans For Peace since March 2003, I always intersected with VVAW. Especially since VFP was founded in 1985 by veterans of the American War against SE Asia; and especially since my first demonstration against the Vietnam war was in 1963 at the Univ. of CA, Berkeley, as a 19-year-old sophomore. Though I never got the chance to meet Barry, he has always been a giant figure. We all "lived" his tireless work for justice and truth through the organization, actions, The Veteran newspaper and countless more efforts. What a loss to the world.

Barry Prindle:
Barry Romo was a selfless force of nature. Met him in Philly in '76, but didn't really get to know him until the 80's in Chicago. Never knew a more committed and heartfelt activist than him. We sometimes found ourselves at the same meeting, someone would say "Barry" and we'd both answer, Yes. So we took to calling each other, "The other Barry."

He was such a presence it's hard to wrap my mind around him being gone.

Presente Mr. Romo.

Tom Wilson:
Barry and the VVAW were important influences in my political journey in the dedication to oppose all imperialist wars, the war machine and the necessity of racism and brutality in search of global domination by our ruling class. Barry was friendly and warm to all comrades, not sectarian but also great at protecting people from provocateurs.

He was fun to be with and while struggling with demons was able to be a phenomenal leader and uniter. Rest in power and peace.

Derek Giffin:
Going from a combat zone in Iraq to a classroom in the span of 3 months made me feel like I was crazy. Barry brought me into the fold and taught me history was merely repeating. He was a mentor to all new IVAW members. I used to have him repeat stories of beating Nazis in 1972. Such a great man.

Debbie Bailey Alexander:
I remember the first time you came to our commune in Norfolk and you seemed impressed with a fireplace in all the bedrooms. That was so long ago! When VVAW marched with us during times of apartheid in South Africa I remember thinking how well protected we all felt with y'all marching in the Soweto brigade with us.

Barry, you were all our heroes not to mention some of the most badass Veterans ever! All the work you and others put in to change the system, counts and may your loved ones know what a great man you were. Peace be upon you and your family. I will hold those memories and more always close to my heart.

Frank Toner:
I did not know Barry well, although it seems I should have. We joined the Army and went to Vietnam. After returning to the US we protested the war. Like Barry I participated in the Winter Soldier Detroit hearings, marched on Washington at Dewey Canyon III, and spent much time organizing events and speaking against the war at High Schools.

I have always been amazed at the tremendous dedication to work he showed in working for peace and his dedication to justice for all.

Vince Nobile:
Sad to hear of Barry's passing. I met him in the early days at San Berdo Valley College as one of a number of us viet vets trying to piece together the best ways to oppose the war we had all participated in one way or another. I'll remember him as a good man whose dedication to a just world can never be questioned by any who came to know him. RIP.

Johanna Buwalda:
Barry was one of the first people I met when I first arrived in the US as an immigrant looking for human rights communities. Many years later, Barry hired me for VVAW to provide counseling and complete mental health evaluations for veterans who wanted to apply for VA benefits or needed discharge upgrades. Together with Ray Parish we formed a team to support veterans. I will never forget the immense trust Barry put on me to do my job without ever requiring deliverables or reporting. He offered me the job at his favorite restaurant Taqueria Moran in Logan Square where we frequently met in the subsequent years. Barry will be missed by many. My condolences to his family and friends.

Muriel Hogan:
I was a member of VVAW in Milwaukee. Barry always came to our July 4 Campout. I remember him as a talented organizer, a deeply compassionate leader, and always the funniest guy at the party. Presente!

Mike Woloshin:
Barry's passing came as a shock. I had been in VVAW nearly as long as Barry, having joined the Wilbur Wright College Chapter in September 1971, after getting the "early out" from the US Navy on 1 March 1971.

I will never forget the New Years' Eve parties at Barry's place on Marshfield and the many good friends I met there. Many of them have added their memories of Barry above and sadly, too many of them have passed on, particularly Bill Davis, Dave Cline, Chris Molloy, Mike Sutton and too many others to list here.

We all took part in the Stand-Downs, demos, and remembrance of past victories, such as the 20th Anniversary of Dewey Canyon III, Dewey Canyon IV in Spring 1982, the dedication of the Wall on Veterans' Day of that year, Veterans' Day along the Chicago River and more.

Barry was one of those who made VVAW go, along with his fellow coordinators, Bill Davis and Dave Cline. It is my sincere hope that history will remember Barry and his accomplishments well. Barry now belongs to the history of the anti-war movement.

PRESENTE!

Al Kovnat:
Rest in peace. Barry made a difference and was a good man with a conscience.

Per Odman:
Barry,RIP.

Of all your untold brave, dedicated actions, your 1972 visit to Hanoi and you being bombed by Nixon's horrible B-52 Christmas Bombing, is exceptional.

Ken Sauvage:
I only knew Barry briefly and a long time ago, but he is not one who is easily forgotten. I am glad to have known him.

Marya Ryan:
The scope of Barry's life, love, and influence is inspiring. It's hard to believe he's gone but heartening to know how much good he left behind. Barry, you've earned your rest.

Ann Hirschman:
This has been so hard to write. Not just because I mourn Barry but because some of my memories involve innocent bystanders. So my favorite printable memory was at the Democratic convention in 1972. There had been threats against VVAW leaders so each had a bodyguard. I was guarding Barry. All went well til he had to take a leak and did not tell me that's where he was bound. So we went into the men's room. I assured the senator we startled that I was only there to guard Barry's ass and was ignoring the senator. When I asked Barry why he didn't take one of the male bodyguards he told me he forgot I was a girl. I loved Barry and miss him dearly. Who is remembered lives.

Kurt Jacobsen:
Got to know Barry through the likewise much lamented Dave Curry many years ago. Many encounters with this inspiring and unassuming man since, including a chance to film him recounting a few of his multitude of courageous activities. No stolen valor here. RIP, Barry.

John Crandell:
To try to assess the cumulative weight of a matter or a legend, you'd best know the dimensions of its components. Romo's name has long resounded amongst us. To read all of these accolades and remembrances as well as the extraordinary Washington Post obituary for Barry is quantum confirmation of an unceasing commitment to a cause. This, instead of potential hazard or harm in whatever career calculation. One did not know him, only of him—and feels confident in positing that he was and will remain the best of us all.

Frank Titus:
Gone too soon! RIP brother Barry.

Billy X Curmano:
I don't really have words to describe how much I will miss my dear friend and VVAW brother, Barry Romo. He was a natural born leader and my life has been enhanced by having known him. The accolades are true. I can only add I loved him as both a brother and an inspiration. I will keep him in my heart.

Ron Arm:
Barry was a friend and VVAW comrade-in-arms. We had differences in the end but still were able to connect. Those all fall aside with the respect I feel for him and his accomplishments on behalf of VVAW. Remember sleeping on his floor and kicking ass in the streets and on the mall.

Linda Cooper Berdayes:
I met Barry in 1971 when I worked with Bill Davis and others in organizing the Columbus VVAW chapter. I remember him as a good man with a dedicated heart. While I lost touch over the years, I still followed his writings in The Veteran and admired his dedication so much. He was a pivotal person in my life and through him and others in VVAW, my life direction changed forever.

Edward Sonny Williams:
Barry was a standup comrade in VVAW and an inspiration to me and all the former members of Cincinnati VVAW.

Paul Meuse:
I'm shocked, and saddened to hear. I first met Barry before, or at the demonstration in the summer of 1974. Above all Barry was a gentleman who cared about the truth, and making positive changes. He is now with Walter Klim,and all others.

Carol Pazera:
I am heartbroken to hear of Barry's passing. I met Barry in the 1980's when I was involved in Nicaraguan solidarity work. It was a thrill to learn from each other. I am so grateful for Barry's love and friendship. There is no one like him, and I will never forget him.

Michael T. McPhearson:
I just saw that Barry died.

I don't know what to say. I wish I had seen him one more time. I appreciate his work, the history he helped make, and the road he helped pave for me as a veteran who can be critical of US wars. I know I follow the path of great veterans before me. He helped make my journey easier.

He was a giant among us. We carry on in his memory and for what is just.

We miss him. The world misses him.

Bill Veres:
RIP Barry. I was born in San Bernardino, in 1946. I went in the Army Aug 1964. Flight training at Ft. Rucker, then Germany. Went to the 1st Air Cavalry, Vietnam in 1966. I flew the ov-1 Mohawk. I did six years and got out as they were sending me back to Vietnam. I'm 80% now from that damn Agent Orange. I watched Vietnam in HD. Thanks for your service, Brother.

To sign the Barry Romo Memorial Guestbook, go to www.vvaw.org/barryromoguestbook/