Toms River Regional Schools

Rob Roma is an American hero. Ask his wife. Ask his mom. Ask his students. Just don’t ask Rob.

Rob would tell you that he’s just doing his job. He’d tell you that serving his country is his greatest honor. He’d tell you that it’s a privilege to live in a free county. He’s helped keep that privilege a reality by serving the country for 13 years and counting.

Rob began his military service as a member of the Virginia Army National Guard. He spent seven years there, but then decided he needed a break. The break didn’t last very long because after the September 11^th attacks, Rob reenlisted with the New Jersey Army National Guard.

If you ask, he’ll tell you what he can about serving in Iraq and how he passionately believes in his mission. But, he’d also tell you that it’s not easy being there and it affects more people than just himself.

“I love serving my country and being a member of the Army. I think it's an honor to serve,” said Rob via e-mail. “However, I do hate being away from my friends and family. I miss my children very much. I hate being away from my wife Jeanette more than anything in the world.”

Jeannette Roma is a physical education teacher at High School East. She teaches CPR. She teaches techniques to jumpstart a failing heart. Recently, she’s been trying to keep her own heart from aching.

“I miss Rob every moment. Luckily, given the new technologies, we’ve been able to stay in touch,” said Jeanette. “We visit on the web cam, we write e-mails every day, and we dream of his return in June.”

From the time the two got engaged, Jeanette has learned that being married to Rob means no plans are totally set in stone. Right from the beginning, life has held surprises for the couple.

After Rob and Jeanette got engaged, they sent out invitations to their engagement party and set their wedding date for 8-8-08. Then, Rob got his orders to leave for Iraq. They knew they wanted to be married before he left for deployment and they wanted all their family and friends to celebrate their marriage with them.

On January 26, 2008, the engagement party went on as planned, but instead, guests were surprised when Jeanette’s father announced his daughter and Rob would be getting married that night in the presence of all of the party-goers.

It was a surprise that none of their family and friends had anticipated, but now they can’t forget that special day. Remembering their wedding day and replaying the events of the day often help Rob get through the tough times in Iraq.

“It keeps me going knowing I have great friends, great kids, and a great wife waiting for me when I get home,” said Rob. “I can't wait to get home and add to our family with my beautiful new wife. We have so much to do and catch up on when I come home.”

Rob’s first deployment was spent in the streets of Baghdad in 2004. He was assigned to work with the Iraqi police.

When he returned home, he started Officer Candidates School (OCS) and went back to teaching and coaching at High School East. In 2006, he graduated from OCS and in 2007 spent five months in Ft. Benning, GA training to be an Infantry Officer. His current mission is doing personal security in Baghdad.

“It's very different from my last mission but very interesting as well,” said Rob of his current duties. “I can see drastic changes here [in Iraq]. It's much safer and it seems like the Iraqi army and police are much more involved with the security.”

While Rob is carrying out his mission in Iraq, Jeanette is keeping the household running in anticipation for Rob’s return. His students and athletes are also awaiting the day Rob returns to High School East.

“I can't wait to get home and get back to my classes and teams. I get emails from everyone at work all the time,” said Rob. “I also get emails from my athletes as well. I keep track of them through the internet and emails.”

Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Ritacco recognizes the importance of Rob’s duties in Iraq and at High School East. He said, “Rob is a great role model for our students here in the Toms River Regional Schools. He has dedicated his life to public service as a teacher and as a soldier. His commitment to both of his jobs is outstanding and is something to be admired.”

For the Roma Family, life as many of us know it has been temporarily disrupted. But, Rob and Jeanette don’t see it as a disruption. They see it as a way of life. Though it may be tough at times to be apart, military service is an honor to them and neither of them could imagine their lives any differently.