MEET THE CLUB - ROGER BJOROY-KARLSEN, PUBLIC IMAGE CHAIR
The road from the wars to the white shores of Roatan has been long and winding. But here he is, trying to use his knowledge from the war zones to help those who need it, as a part of a club with people of action!
On the roof of Nato Headquarters in Baghdad. There was several attacks from the other side of the river "Tigris" (in the background)
In October 2005, Roger spent twelve months in Baghdad and Basra, Iraq, first as a logistic senior officer and then as a lead advisor for the Nato Training Team to the National Strategic Command for the Iraqi Police and to the Ministry of Defence, a mission led by US general David Petraeus, and later US general Martin Dempsey. Roger operated and lived in the red zones with minimal security, facing attacks day and night. Despite the loss of colleagues and employees, he emerged physically unscathed.
In 2014 - 2015, he spent twelve months as an advisor to the top level of the Afghan National Army in Kabul. The threats and attacks mirrored those in Iraq, with constant dangers such as suicide bombers, snipers, and road bombs. Missiles struck the camps daily, and casualties were high due to terrorist attacks.
Roger left the war zones without physical injuries, but he began to struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the following years. After 36 years in the Norwegian Army, including deployments to Lebanon, Kosovo, Macedonia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, he became disabled in 2019 due to depression and suicide attempts.
Baghdad was constantly under attacks from suicide bombers, improvised explosive devices made as road bombs, and rockets fired against the military infrastructure.
Roger and his wife Angela relocated to Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras, to escape the dark seasons in Norway. He joined the Rotary Club of Roatan and later helped found the Rotary Club of Roatan Utila Guanaja that belongs to the District 4250.
When asked why he is a Rotarian, Roger explained that he witnessed the impact of war on people and now seeks to contribute to a better world for those in need. He values being close to areas that require support and appreciates the opportunity to give back.
In addition to his military career, Roger has worked as a freelance writer and journalist for Norwegian newspapers and magazines. He currently serves as the Public Image Chair of the Rotary Club board, ensuring the club's projects are well-known and maintaining a positive reputation.
Roger is establishing Bay Islands Magazine to share the culture, society and history of the archipelago. He is also a musician and a composer.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Roger acknowledges that he continues to battle PTSD but finds solace in filling his days with positive events and moments. While he still struggles with nightmares and fatigue, he appreciates waking up in such a beautiful place.
When asked if he regrets his time in the war zones, Roger responds, "Never! It was my duty, and I gained unique experiences and knowledge. I also strive to advocate for other war veterans, as the transition back to civilian life can be challenging without understanding and support."
In 2016, Roger received "The Meritorious Service Medal" from the USA for outstanding duty in Afghanistan, during a ceremony at the American Embassy in Oslo, Norway.