DAV life member tackles mental health

Robert Consulmagno is winning the battle against invisible injuries, reaching out to raise awareness for fellow veterans

Robert “Super Crazy Cozmo” Consulmagno, 44, earned his unique nickname in the United States Marine Corps thanks to his efforts to overcome challenges with PTSD and bipolar disorder—things he says made his military career more challenging than it needed to be.

In fact, to hear Consulmagno tell his story, he was a problem-child in the Corps.

“I was dropped from Marine Security Guard duty because I could not get along with my Marines, and I was dropped from my aviation school for the same reason.”

Toward the end of his enlistment he was trying to right this path. Though a struggle, his efforts eventually earned him a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a meritorious promotion. Consulmagno had discovered a drive inside him that, despite his mental health concerns, could push him to excel.

It wasn’t until 2007, after he finished his Marine Corps career and endured years of social dysfunction, that he learned to cope with PTSD and bipolar disorder. These days he’s fighting those invisible injuries through his work with DAV Chapter 37 in Somerville, N.J., and in the community of Morrisville, Pa., just across the state line.

But medications were never the answer for Consulmagno. Like so many others who find relief in alternative therapies, he is emphatic that it was his introduction to fitness and Jiu-Jitsu that turned his life around.

“Jiu Jitsu was my answer, but not because I want to fight, I don’t want to fight anybody, I’m the nicest guy in the world. I do this sport to not fight,” Consulmagno said.

Consulmagno, even in his mid-40’s, is in the best shape of his life. He does Yoga every day, he is an accomplished boxer, and has become a world class jump-roper too. For Consulmagno, if he sets his mind to it, it is going to happen.

That is the message that he wants other veterans to understand, “I want to spread a message of hope to other veterans. You can overcome obstacles, something is going to work for you, and you have to find what that something is for you.”

Consulmagno has big plans for his future. As of this writing he is training to set the world record for most consecutive standing ab-rollouts. Something he hopes will garner national attention and earn him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Consulmagno encourages veterans with mental health or wellness issues to seek help. He says it’s equally important for people who know veterans to be willing to listen and encourage them to get assistance.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, do not hesitate to call the Veterans Crisis Line at (800) 273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255. Additional resources, including a confidential chat feature, can be found at veteranscrisisline.net.