The comments are incredible! The love and support is tremendous! I appreciate Mark for giving me the opportunity to share my story and my music. It makes me feel good that my music can help people! Thank you for everyone that commented! It's awesome! Mark is one special guy to hear these stories!

Great guy! I worked with him and we took a couple killers off the street together. He had no fear and a huge heart

I’ve known Rob for over 25 years since before he went into the military. He was married to my best friend who he has kids with. It breaks my heart to see what he has gone through over the years after combat. He truly does have a good heart and would do anything for anyone. Keep playing your music, it’s beautiful.

Who else was flooded with emotion when he started playing?🙋‍♀️ Thank you, Rob for sharing your heart with me and with world. Thank you, Mark. You are loved. And to whomever is reading this, you are loved. God bless all❤🌏

Widow of a Viet Nam Vet with severe PTSD, and ultimately lost to Agent Orange cancer, this interview with Rob profoundly speaks for many Veterans of later "theatres" of war, Bravo for this soldier for being able to speak of it, and finding solace in music. RESPECT!!

People don’t understand how difficult it is for people battling with mental issues like ptsd hopefully he has a blessed life and overcomes this .🙏🏼

Awesome dude. I was blown away when he started playing the piano! Absolutely beautiful! I was not expecting that to come out of him!

I am his cousin, I am so proud of him, with so much talent❤️🤗

Wow Robert that piano solo was absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you for serving in our military!! I am so sorry for what you had to go through. I am so glad this can help you with your PSTD. And so glad you have this wonderful support system. YOU ARE A GOOD MAN!!!!! ♥️🇺🇸♥️

I’m a nurse who works for the VA and I love my veterans. I wish nothing but the best for this man and then him for his sacrifice. Everybody should thank a veteran for their sacrifice when they see them.

To every single person reading this who has been/is military or a first responder, thank you for your service. I’m so very glad you made it home. I’m so sorry for the things you’ve experienced/seen that nobody should ever have to experience/see. Please make sure you’re taken care of, because you deserve that….and you matter.

“Without music life would be a mistake” - Friedrich Nietzsche

After battling 20 years of chronic pain, PTSD, and the like, I can totally relate to music being used as a tool for coping, and sweeping the litter from the mind. Rob, may you continue playing for yourself, and for your brothers and sisters. It is a very good thing to share.

People don't understand the gravity of what war is like. War is hell.

Mark, please do more interviews like this that inspire us with ways to overcome life's challenges. I was expecting hard rock but instead was so pleasantly surprised with that beautiful, relaxing tune.

Known Rob for many years! Man with so much emotion when he plays the piano and one with the biggest heart you could ever imagine. So proud of you Sir for all you have overcome over the years! Keep it up!!

I absolutely loved this guy. Music definitely helps bring order to chaos. He plays beautifully!

Did not expect the amazing piano performance at the end. You never know what ppl have unbelievable natural talents. You would never know that The men or women you work with on a daily basis have some sort of talent. Because most ppl just casually get thru life without really sharing anything about themselves. Work consumes ppl and you really just begin to think, “This is what life is all about”… but nope not at all. Life is about being surprised with things like this from the least ppl you’d imagine.

"OH that is so beautiful" - my ten yr old daughter with intellectual disability and a receptive language disorder. Even she gets how simply beautiful your humanity is man! Thank you for sharing! It takes a lot!!! Thank you so much!!!

I am a female disabled veteran with PTSD. Music is my best friend and I believe it has prevented me from committing suicide. This true hero has admitted his truth and it’s the only thing that can make you feel free again. Truth is wicked but necessary. I was a corpsman who did not see combat but experienced Military Sexual Trauma multiple times and I realize after victory with my claim #iamvanessaguillen recently during the psych exam that I have been manic for over 33 years. If the general public could just once step foot into a VA facility they would be shocked at what they see. The malpractice I personally have witnessed is appalling. My father a Korean vet also recently passed and reality is we get $300 for a dead sailor who died from mesothelioma all for his country. It’s insane the stories we all have but most of all I am grateful to God to allow s to live another day of victory and triumph. Rob I am glad you are not one of the 22 a day we loose to suicide. There are many triggers that can test us , but you are changing lives by telling your story. Thank you for letting us in. Semper Fi Anchors away IGY6 Dental Doc 1988-1996

His piano playing really hit home...as a guitar player it's the only way to escape the pain.

What a beautiful person. Truly our armed forces, first responders, Police, Firefighters, & all others that are similar deserve the highest honors for their selflessness and desire to better their community & world. Myself included - I know many of us would have a hard time caring so much about this that we would commit our career to it. For some, they give their lives. Even if they return home.

Love these interviews and these guys don’t get the love appreciation and respect that they deserve coming home from that shit they endured and still struggle with

Beautiful interview! Rob is so honest and genuine. Started crying when he began to play!

Thank you Mark for facilitating the interview so we had the chance to hear Robert play on a grand piano. There’s definitely a story to be heard in his music as well! Well done!

I wish there was something I could say that would bring some healing to you and every person suffering with PTSD which would make a difference. Thank you and all military personnel is thank you for your service. I’m sorry it came at such a high cost, greater than we can imagine. I appreciate your openness. Thank you for sharing your source of peace with us. Keep on being you. Don’t down yourself for the hard times. Love and a hug from this Michigan grandma ❤❤❤

His music is so full of emotion. Thank you for that.

Chills, swelling in my chest, teary eyes, internal bliss and peace- how I felt listening to you play. It was beautiful

What a lovely man. Best wishes!

Rob, the US Army and the US is fortunate to have had you of service! You play the piano beautifully….music is balm, I wish you continued healing.

I’ve never seen my father in someone else so much, fantastic interview. Genuinely brought me to tears. I hope every veteran gets the help they deserve!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE ROB AND TO ALL OUR AMERICAN SOLDIERS!

Solid dude! OEF 2008 11B here. Glad this gentle, giant it's doing good, and fighting a good fight !

👏🏼👏🏼 I’m active duty Army, love and play piano. Never went to combat and pray I don’t have to. Thank you for all that you’ve done for the military and the police force.

Major respect for this humble, courageous man.

Stay strong, brother! Your music is great, keep at it!

The price we pay for US imperialism is an ocean of blood, the least we could do is help these soldiers reclaim normal life if possible once they leave the service.

Best of Luck to you! Thanks for serving our country! 🙏🏼🇺🇸💜

His music touches the heart. Beautiful.

You're amazing. Genuine, honest, big heart, brave, vulnerable, badass. People are blessed knowing you. Glad you found music. So so sorry for all you've experienced. GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE FOR US.

He seems like a wonderful human. I find it inspiring how much he believes in the healing power of music.

Thanks for your service Rob! I have four sons who served with the USMC in Iraq and Afghanistan. I appreciate your insight on things like using music to help.

Moved to tears...hearing his heartbreaking story of his time in the service, and then to see and hear this beautiful music flow from his soul...amazing. That, to me, is like the Gods healing hands flowing through him, giving him the peace he needs. Thanks for your service ❤

This was a very touching interview. Loved it. When he started playing I started wiping the tears. Good luck to him and thank you all for your service. God bless ❤

Oh my gosh. The music was absolutely beautiful. It gave me chills. You are so talented. Thank you for sharing it with the world. ❤

Great piano player! He’s a good man and I wish him nothing but the best! My husband is a retired A10 pilot. He’s seen combat from a different perspective.

Beautiful music and amazing story Rob! Thank you!

I love how Robs face relaxes as he starts to play ! PTSD has been part of my journey due to childhood trauma and self inflicted trauma later . Music has helped me as well . Thank you for your service Rob and I wish you peace 💜

Rob, Thank you for your service and sacrifice in law enforcement and in the US military. I sincerely hope you recover from all of the trauma. Also, thank you for doing this interview. I was recently diagnosed with severe PTSD and I am earnestly looking for healthy ways to deal with it and hopefully recover from it. I listen to combat veteran interviews hoping to glean some insight on healthy ways to deal with severe PTSD. I picked up a guitar again after several years of not playing music. Also, my doctor prescribed Prazosin to treat the fight or flight part of my brain and the violent nightmares. I continue to struggle with severe PTSD and as you said, playing music helps. Thank you Mark for all that you do with this public channel and thanks again Rob for sharing part of your personal story. Respectfully, David

Mental illness is the worst illness. I totally sympathize with anyone that suffers this horrendous illness. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! ❤️♥️❤️♥️

Man I have so much respect for our military men and women. Hearing his life story made me cry. They give up so much for America. Thank you for your service Sir!

Thank you for serving & protecting our country Rob. & thank you to all the active & vets watching this video. 💕

What a great guy. I have so much respect for him. I just want to wrap my arms around him and give him the biggest hug. God bless him and heal his pain. 🙏🏻💗

I'm 47, I have CPTSD, Panic Disorder, and Agoraphobia. Thank you so very much Rob, I just downloaded every song you have. I seriously have not been moved by music in what feels like a decade or more. You brought me to tears and for the first time in 20 years I actually felt calm, and my mind actually stopped that record on repeat thing it does. Thank you , thank you so very much. I'm going to try and figure out how I can actually purchase your songs now. I have Prime music so it doesn't give me the option to purchase since I pay the monthly fee, but I'm not sure if that get you anything so I'll buy it elsewhere ❤❤

Lost my father in 2002 then a good friend a few months later, graduated High School in 2003 and joined the Army Infantry. Did 4 deployments total(2 Iraq, 2 Afghanistan), sudden loss and trauma was nothing new but losing friends in War changes you in ways people will never understand unless they lived it. Quit drinking 4 years ago, solid support system from my wife and son, counseling and working full time has saved my life. Take care brother.

This was a great interview. Listening to his beautiful music right now. Best wishes to you, Rob. Thank you for your service.

Thank you Mark for bringing us Rob! It is so refreshing to have an uplifting story… first in a while. I must admit, I’ve had to look away from SWU lately to preserve my own mental health. With current events around the world, the strength, healing, struggles, and positivity Rob shows us here brings hope. After all, what do we have left if we don’t have hope? I am looking for his beautiful music to not only hear more for myself but to help support him in his strive for stability. Best wishes to you, Rob. Many thanks to you, Mark. Peace and love for everyone. We all need more peace and love. ☮️

Magnificent. Thank you for your service sir.

What a great guy, may God bless you ❤ Thank you so much for your service I know that sounds cheesy but, I have a daughter in the Air Force I worry about her, I also struggle with PTSD and spend most of my day in my bedroom, haven't found my purpose yet, Lost my son, entire family is military may God bless you❤. Rambling don't know what to say

Unbelievably beautiful music!! I suffer from MAJOR anxiety and when I heard him play it immediately calmed me!! Sorry you had to go through that to get to this! What an amazing gift to all of us!!

Sucks that he still struggling with his addiction. As a recovering drug addict i can definitely relate. Seems like such a great dude and i have nothing but respect for him and i would like to thank him for serving our great country. Thank you sir! Beautiful music.

You're an incredible person Rob- keep making the right decisions. You've done more for humanity than most will ever even attempt. Thank you for your service and I wish you all the best 🎶 🎵

Welcome home brother... sending good vibes from NJ,your a bit north of me.

Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your experience. My partner has a similar veteran story. Also, you are a wonderful pianist! Keep it up.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, Rob. Much love and respect to you!

Thanks for your service Rob. My dad was in WWII he had PTSD.

How beautiful the journey he played on the piano. It told a story

That piano solo was everything!!!❤

More interviews like this, please! Especially in a time with so much war breaking out it is important for people to truly understand what war is.

Thank you Rob, for being so brave through your traumas and sharing your story. As a female Veteran, I'm still fighting through 22 years of pain, combat deployments and multiple traumas myself. So accurate and relatable, thank you Mark for posting the War Veteran's story.

Thank you for your service sir! I'm from South Plainfield NJ too, right off of Hamilton Blvd Christopher Ave. Awesome interview!

Great interview, Mark. Combat veterans do not get the recognition that they deserve for everything they've been through. Was I the only one who felt like I was chopping onions while he played the piano? It was beautiful! 🩷

Thank you, Rob for your music. Keep playing. You are not only healing yourself, but you are also healing all who hear its beauty. A gift from above!

Brother I was not expecting that….your on some other level on those keys!! Bring him back mark! MUSIC IS LIFE!!

Rob, I am ever grateful for you choosing to come on Mark's channel. This morning I woke up w not good feelings from family problems and not feeling loved kind of a thing and I heard you play and I keep repeating this over and over and it has soothed my worries. My faith in God and mankind in me awakened turning my not so good feelings into a beautiful day ❤

you having him play at the end with the camera shot that you chose took this video to a whole new level. took his story to a whole new level too!

The song reminded me of the fragile condition of humanity not lost, but won!

I could listen to him play all day. Beautiful. Don't ever stop playing.

Wow! What an awesome guy. I can tell that I’d really like him. Interesting story. I’ll never understand war. It’s just so wrong and doesn’t do an ounce of good. Why?? I just don’t understand. Horrible what it does to those who serve! Thanks for the video. I loved it and his piano playing was awesome, definitely relaxing. I really enjoyed the piece he played and will definitely look him up. It’s music I could listen to all day. I’ve always regretted not learning to play piano. Thanks for sharing and all the best from Canada. 🇨🇦 🍁 🍂💕👏🏻👏🏻

The interview, the music, all perfect. ❤ If Rob is single, so am I. 😊

Thank you so much for your service and putting your life on line for our country. My husband was 5 yrs Army and 2 yrs Air Force reserves with 2 yrs being a police officer. He has PTSD and hearing everything he has told me is something a lot of us can’t comprehend because it’s just horrific.

Much love my friend, great interview! Told you not to stress it. Your a great man, with one hell of a gift!

His story is truly sad but inspiring. His song at the end was absolutely beautiful. I'm a musician and I am amazed at the complexity and feeling in this piece. Absolutely brilliant ❤️

WOW!! Thank you Mark🫶 Thank you for sharing your story Rob & for your Service🙏🇺🇸👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻 EVERYONE NEEDS A PURPOSE TO SERVIVE❤🤍💙

Thank you Rob for your service to this country.. best wishes.

Robert, continue to stay inspired through your music, which is healing and comforting. Thank you for your service! ✨️

Rob plays so beautifully, I hope he continues on his recovery journey. He seems like a great guy who I hope keeps sharing his talent.

Absolutely beautiful, I could listen to him all day. I really was interested in his story and happy that he has found a way to live. Rob, thank you for sharing it all, you are a beautiful soul.

The emotion he conveys in his piano playing is absolutely mind blowing! Keep it up!

Like these interviews when veterans have a moment to share their stories, like he is on too, talking helps. Wish him the best ! Greetings from Sweden

Rob, thank you for your service to our country. Your music is wonderful - very moving. So glad to have seen and heard you play.

Rob thank you for your service and sharing your story. You play the piano beautifully.

Rob is an incredibly talented and humble artist. His works are from his soul. Just by listening one can sense he plays for himself but the stories are ones the world needs to hear!

Very uplifting to see Rob find a productive and healing way to work through his emotions. Sharing his gift with others is the most selfless act possible. Thank you Rob for caring.

I have the utmost respect for you, Rob. It brings me to tears how much you and other U.S. military men and women sacrifice, well beyond your years of service-really, for the rest of your lives-so people like me can live without fear in freedom. Your music is so powerful and touching-I am now headed to Spotify to listen to more of you! THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart…more than I can ever say…for your selfless sacrifice. Wishing you strength, peace, and healing.❤

I can hear the snow falling, Rob. Beautiful music.

Thank you for your service Rob🙏🏻🇺🇸

Tears from that piece. Looking out at the world after having experienced so much. Thank you

Wow!!! It’s crazy how music with no words can be sooo deep!! Amazing talent! ❤❤

It’s rare I listen to someone’s story again, but I had to come back to hear it again as well as that beautiful piano playing. ❤