Robert Bryan Guzzo Jr., 33, was a beloved father, son, Navy SEAL, Portsmouth High School football star and "a ham for the camera," according to an interview from The Washington Post's online TV show The Fold, which featured Guzzo in a previous story.
Guzzo served bravely in Iraq's "Triangle of Death,” but he returned to the United States with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Guzzo commited suicide on Nov. 12, in San Diego, CA, after suffering for years from PTSD. According to his family, Guzzo "feared seeking treatment for PTSD would endanger his (military) career."
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His family and friends will remember Guzzo and share his story at a memorial event to be held this July in North Carolina. Many Portsmouth High School graduates, including many of Guzzo's friends, and Guzzo's family plan to attend.
Organized by the Silver Strand Foundation, the Rob Guzzo Memorial 8K Run/5K Walk will take place on Saturday, July 6, at 9 a.m. at the Pirate Cove Marina (in North Carolina), 2000 Sailfish Drive, Manteo, NC. The run will benefit the Rob Guzzo Trust and the Silver Strand Foundation. The entry fee is $25.
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The Silver Strand Foundation will also hold a benefit concert and dinner after the race from 5 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $50.
For more information or to attend, visit the Rob Guzzo Memorial Facebook page; mail Jon Workman, Silver Strand Foundation, P.O. Box 129, Smyrna, DE, 19977; call (302) 584-0688; or e-mail silverstrandfoundation501@yahoo.com.
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