16 Years Later: Army Battle Buddies Finally Reunited
Ever since he was a kid, Rob Murafsky from Metuchen, New Jersey dreamed of joining the Army. In 2002, right after high school, he enlisted as an infantryman. A year later, Richard Ranno, who grew up in New England, joined the Army infantry as well.
The two became fast friends while serving in Alpha Company, 1st Armored Division, in Baumholder, Germany. Off duty, Rob and Richard were inseparable—traveling around Europe, working out, and making memories that would last a lifetime.
In January 2006, both soldiers deployed to Iraq. Rob was a squad automatic weapon (SAW) gunner while Richard served as a rifleman and driver. Even with conflicting schedules, they carved out time to hang out, watch movies, and hit the gym.
That summer, Richard’s squad was sent into the dangerous city of Hīt, Iraq, for a three-day surveillance mission. What unfolded would change both of their lives forever.
A Harrowing Day in Hīt
On the third day of their mission, Richard’s unit watched from a second-story building as an Abrams tank was struck by an anti-tank mine. The blast killed the driver instantly and injured the rest of the crew.
What came next was unthinkable. Hundreds of locals flooded the street, celebrating and desecrating the remains of fallen soldiers. Richard and his men were ordered to stay hidden and observe, unable to intervene.
Moments later, a U.S. Quick Reaction Force arrived, including Rob. As the soldiers engaged in heavy combat, Richard’s team provided support fire from above. In the chaos, a sniper’s bullet struck Rob in the face.
Separated by War Wounds
Rob was medevacked out of Iraq, ultimately losing his right eye and suffering major facial injuries. Richard’s squad later evacuated the building, only to learn that his friend had been airlifted and would never return to duty.
That day haunted them both. Rob struggled with PTSD, isolation, and depression, while Richard carried guilt for following orders instead of rescuing bodies sooner. For 16 years, the battle buddies who had once been inseparable lost all contact.
Reunited at Tee It Up for the Troops REUNION
In 2023, Rob and Richard finally reunited through Tee It Up for the Troops’ REUNION program, a therapeutic event that brings combat veterans back together in a safe, healing environment.
Over several days, they reconnected while attending breakout sessions, sharing their stories, and playing golf alongside fellow veterans. Both men brought their service dogs—Monsoon and Jersey—who are part of their daily healing.
“Talking face to face with Richard was the biggest help for me,” Rob said. “We’ve both suffered from PTSD, but now we can share what’s worked for us and support each other.”
Richard agreed, adding: “The group chats were powerful. Sharing our stories not only helps us heal but also helps civilians understand what service members go through.”
Though the scars of war remain, Rob and Richard now have each other again and the tools from REUNION to keep moving forward. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, healing, and veteran support.
Support Tee It Up for the Troops REUNION
Tee It Up for the Troops depends on sponsors, golfers, and donors to help reunite combat veterans like Rob and Richard. Your support helps veterans heal from the hidden wounds of war—PTSD, anxiety, depression, and isolation—and transition from the battlefront to the homefront.
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Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our nation’s heroes.
