A decorated Army veteran who deployed to several war zones across the world is now facing a new type of battle.
U.S. Army Sergeant Major Robert Roy, a 58-year-old Newington resident and recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, retired in 2017 after more than three decades of military service.
Last year, he was diagnosed with Hilar cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer believed to be caused by his exposure to toxins during his military service.
“He’s endured multiple hospitalizations, surgeries and treatments, losing over 70 pounds in the fight to become eligible for a high-risk surgery that could save his life,” according to a GoFundMe set up by his wife Erika Roy. “Rob is currently out on disability and will remain so into 2026. The financial strain is immense — between mounting medical bills, college tuition for his son and ongoing care for his adult daughter with special needs.”
During his time in service, Robert Roy deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, he said. After retiring, he continued to serve through volunteering with organizations like the Civil Air Patrol, Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
Robert Roy, who first enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1984, served and deployed at bases across the world.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has said that many military members who deployed overseas up until the late 2000s are presumed to have been exposed to burn pits and potential toxins.
Burn pits were a common method to dispose of waste up until around 2010, according to the VA. Burn pits often would expose military members to heavy metals, PFAS or forever chemicals and toxic carcinogens.
U.S. Army Sergeant Major Robert Roy’s uniform displays numerous campaign ribbons and medals defining a distinguished military career. Roy is a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient who served several tours in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. (Courtesy of Robert Roy)
Just a few days ago, Robert Roy was discharged from the hospital after spending just over a month in a surgical intensive care unit after surgery.
“One night a surgeon called and told me to rush to the hospital because they thought they were going to lose him that night,” Erika Roy said. “That happened twice in once week.”
He is now recovering at home and getting treatment from Smilow Cancer Center, according to Erika Roy. She said that despite his diagnosis, he continues to show both courage and tenacity.
“He’s a fighter through and through,” said Erika Roy. “This is certainly something I’ve never seen before. Rob has incredible tenacity. The medical staff was in shock by how much of a fighter he is. The word they used was ‘unprecedented.’ This is a guy who was always a protector, including for his family and the people he served with over the years. It’s just very unusual to see him in the role where he is not that anymore. He took care of both his father and sister who had cancer. Now it’s time that we’re taking care of him.”
The Civil Air Patrol Connecticut Wing issued a statement of support for Roy in a social media post.
“Rob Roy has spent his life serving others — through deployments in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, and through countless hours volunteering with organizations like the Civil Air Patrol and others,” the organization said. “Lt Col Roy was recently diagnosed with Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin Tumor), a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer caused by toxic exposure during his military service. The Roy family has set up a GoFundMe to support them through this time. There is no obligation, but please consider contributing or sharing.”
Robert Roy told the Courant that the GoFundMe has brought him and his family some hope.
“I was very reluctant and setup the site, encouraged by my co-workers, because a lot of people wanted to help but didn’t know how,” he said.
“I’m out of work on disability with rescued earnings so GoFundMe takes the edge off with the additional expenses and rescued earnings.”
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected].