U.S. Army Special Ops veteran Romulo Camargo lives by the motto “Never Quit.”

“When I was a little kid, my dad told me to never quit anything because if you quit once, you’ll make it a habit,” Camargo reflected.

But it wasn’t until Camargo nearly died in combat that his motto was put to the ultimate test.

What You Need To Know

  • A soldier paralyzed in Afghanistan now helps wounded warriors in Tampa

  • Romulo Camargo was nominated and selected as "Hispanic Man of the Year" with Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc.

  • He says his refusal to quit was instilled in him by his father

“I was wounded in Afghanistan in 2008,” Camargo said. “We were conducting a mission, and all of a sudden we got hit with a vicious ambush.”

Shot in the back of the neck and paralyzed, the retired Chief Warrant Officer could have given up. Instead, Camargo pushed harder and used his spinal cord injury to support and inspire others.

“Life doesn’t stop because you’re paralyzed,” Camargo said. “Things happen, but you got to keep going, stay motivated. Find your purpose.”

Six years ago, Camargo found his purpose when he and his wife opened the Tampa physical therapy clinic Stay in Step. So far, they’ve helped 250 clients, including injured veterans.

The selflessness Camargo displays everyday is why his friend and former military commander nominated him for “Hispanic Man of the Year.”

“He motivated so many people to just keep on going, keep pushing and do so much with what he’s got,” said Retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Carlos Perez. “It’s really an example for us to follow.”

For the last 33 years, the nonprofit Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc. has recognized those who stand out in the community.

Camargo is one of two who has been selected to be recognized this year. 

“It’s an honor,” Camargo said. “It’s an honor to represent the Hispanic men that are here in Tampa. We’re all doing a great job.”

And while Camargo has received dozens of awards, this most recent recognition holds a special meaning. It takes him back to his Venezuelan and Colombian roots.

“I spent all my summers in Venezuela,” Camargo said. “And that made me the man who I am today.”

Meanwhile, Camargo wants to expand his reach in the Bay area. He’s looking for an even bigger space for his physical therapy clinic.

Camargo says he’s committed to never quit helping others.