Bay Shore veteran becomes focus of new documentary about PTSD, mental health

A Vietnam veteran from Bay Shore, who walked across New York state to highlight his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, is now the star of a documentary film.
In the Mayers Films documentary "Walk With Frank," Vietnam War veteran Frank Romeo recounts his 50-year struggle with PTSD, and says he is one of the longest living veterans diagnosed with 100% PTSD-related disabilities.
Romeo says he decided to walk across New York state to bring attention to his cause. He explains that Matt and Ryan Mayers from Mayers Films followed him on the journey for three and a half months.
Romeo says what started out in the beginning about PTSD and veterans transformed into a mental health movement.
The documentary takes viewers into homeless shelters, the filmmakers talk to homeless veterans and shows the emotional history of the country.
Filmmaker Matt Mayers says the more that Romeo was out there talking about mental health and showing it's OK, the more other people wanted to join in and share their experiences as well.
Romeo says the film gives the homeless and those with trauma a voice, and that it's a must-see.
"Walk With Frank" debuts Wednesday at the Queens World Film Festival.