When the idea came to him last year, Michael Romans had just assumed the role of VFW District 7 Commander for the VFW Department of Ohio.
“I was participating in a ruck that challenged me to walk 76 miles during the month of July for the America 250,” said Romans, who also serves as commander of VFW Post 5137 in Medina, Ohio. “I needed a destination, so I thought, why not do something bold and walk to every Post in Northeast Ohio.”
Michael Romans takes time for an interview from a local news station during one of his many walks across northeast Ohio last year during his term as the VFW Department of Ohio District 7 commander. Throughout the year, Romans walked 267 miles to all 33 VFW Posts in his District. Photo courtesy of Becky Carlino.A Marine who served during Operation Desert Storm, Romans used his military knowledge to map out everything, including the most favorable route. He began in July 2025, and over the course of a year, between his job and obligations, Romans found slivers of time to map a route from one Post to the next, sometimes driving back to where he had left off, then continuing on foot.
“When I finished on June 27, I ended up walking 267 miles to all 33 Posts in District 7,” said Romans, who served in the Marines from July 1988 to July 1992. “It was an epic journey, and my goal evolved and got bigger, because I realized I could bring awareness to the VFW and our mission too.”
Romans created a YouTube channel to document his treks across The Buckeye State, sometimes welcoming fellow veterans and VFW Auxiliary members on the journey.
“He says if he can walk 18 miles in 80-plus degree heat, and I’m 56 years old, then anyone can do it,” said VFW Post 5137 Auxiliary Senior Vice President Becky Carlino. “He has people join him on his walks sometimes, but often he is walking and filming alone, sharing his heart, a few laughs, and is always encouraging viewers to join, participate and love their local VFW.”
Through his YouTube channel, GoldilocksandtheBear7077, Romans showcases the power of exercise, the camaraderie within each VFW Post, and how veterans uplift one another. He hopes these walks will raise VFW awareness, dispel old myths and help reach younger members, inspiring all.
For Romans, who recalls his Marine Corps leaders as always being the last ones to go through the chow line, always at the back pushing and guiding him forward, leadership is about leading by example, by leading from the rear.
“Looking back, I understood they were looking out for us and making sure we had everything we needed to succeed in our military careers,” Romans said. “I deeply believe that when your people have what they need, they can get the job done. That's been my mission as the District commander. I stand in the back and work to help the Posts in my District with everything they need to achieve their goals.”
This article is featured in the 2026 July issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.