Walk with Frank

A special screening took place at the Brightwaters-Bay Shore Public Library last week featuring award-winning film “Walk With Frank.” Made by Bay Shore local Frank Romeo, the film catalogues his trek across New York State to raise awareness for PTSD and mental health, especially in veterans.

Attending the screening was Romeo himself, who gave his own perspective on how his motivation for the cause due to his own PTSD from fighting in Vietnam has led him to carve his own path.

“I thought about education and understanding, and understanding the veteran through education. Veterans make up 7 percent of our population.

I’ve decided I’m going to try to educate the other 93 percent, one student at a time, one classroom at a time,” Romeo shared. This passion then led to his walk across New York State for a change in pace.

Walking from Buffalo to his hometown of Bay Shore, local schools tracked his journey along the way. Following his journey, Romeo established the Walk With Frank Foundation dedicated to mental health.

Such an overwhelming response to the film, receiving two congressional recognition awards along with winning film festivals, has made Romeo thankful for his newfound audience. “I just am glad that the recognition that it’s getting and getting out there and helping people, you know, airing so many times,” Romeo said.

The Brightwaters Historical Society helped host the screening, providing Romeo with a platform to share his experiences with the local community, many of whom he has come to know well.

Many audience members themselves lived through the era of Vietnam, sharing what it was like from the protestor side as well, and how building an understanding with veterans has helped bridge a gap.

Bridging his past experiences in the war and present moment promoting awareness was another focus of “Walk With Me,” with how PTSD can linger in many veterans, unearthing trauma from the past because of triggers. By drawing attention to this, Romeo hopes to help those watching with their own journey with trauma. “So if you know someone who would benefit from watching a film about mental health or just the curiosity would like to see it, it’s available.”