Soldier awarded Purple Heart says he's 'living proof prayer works'

Published: 2008-07-18

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (CNS) -- "I'm living proof that prayer works," 23-year-old Sgt. Louis D. Romano said to the crowd gathered at Sacred Heart Church in Bluefield after receiving the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained in Afghanistan last year. Romano could have had the medal presented to him anywhere, yet he chose his parish church -- the place where he and his family received an outpouring of prayers and support. The lifelong member of Sacred Heart, who was shot in the face in the right cheek area Oct. 27, 2007, in Afghanistan, was surrounded by family, friends and fellow parishioners for the ceremony on a recent afternoon at the church. He is currently on outpatient status at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington but was to return there for a few more months of treatment. During the ceremony Romano stood in front of the altar where retired Command Sgt. Maj. Randal H. Johnson, a friend of the family, presented him with the Purple Heart. Then came thunderous applause from those who filled the church and had come to show Romano their support and to welcome home one of their own. In his remarks Romano said he appreciated the many prayers and cards and the support he received from the people of the parish, the Bluefield area and beyond. He also asked for prayers for those still serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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