OhLaLa Presents Richard Rocco By Michael Stokes

Photographer Michael Stokes is sharing with us a series of images featuring Richard Rocco.

Richard Rocco  is combat veteran returned from Iraq and who started modeling just 2 months ago. After growing up in Los Angeles Richard joined the United States Marine Corps in 2002 and did multiple combat tours to Iraq until I was wounded in action.

"An IED attack broke my back and caused a traumatic brain injury. Perseverance and desire motivated me to push through physical therapy and forced a change of lifestyle. Within a year, I was back in the gym. Now I compete professionally (power lifting), I have been dedicating my life to health and fitness for over 10 years, and I overcame obstacles: all while staying positive. Modeling is a perfect fit for me, because now I can show the world what a little dedication can do."

Richard took some time to answer to a few of our questions, check out the full interview along with more image after the jump.

+ Richard Rocco FaceBook Page

You can help Rocco become a Men's Health cover guy by voting here.

Where would you like to live?

Europe:) Italy to be specific. Im italian but have never been to Italy.

Do you remember what went through your mind when you first recovered after the attack?

"The first time I was in combat we were ambushed. IED attacks AK fire and RPG fire. I was knocked unconscious after the RPG attack.  I woke up to screaming and looking at my hand wondering if my finger is gone or just hanging. I replied to my Lieutenant, umm sir, I think I'm hurt..lol  Since my hand was thrashed, I got to stay on base in Camp Fallujah and do radio watch, the good thing about radio watch is you can bring a dvd player. I watched all seasons of The O.C, Prison Break, even One Tree Hill. One tree Hill was filmed in Wilmington, NC. That is where I was stationed."

"Willie was my best friend we deployed together twice! I lost him 13 days into our second tour together. He is survived by his baby girl Nevaeh, (heaven spelt backwards) Worst day of my life ... seeing your best friend taken away in combat, shit is real. Nobody will understand except whoever has been. And thank you to all my fans that support me for being in the military, it makes what we do worth it."

Is there one thing or one person in particular that helped you mentally during your recovering process?

"Wounded Warrior Bn. They gave me everything, set me up with everything. The WWbn East to be specific. Even got to go on free all expenses paid trip to NY for 9-11 commemorations. We met the commissioner, all the NYPD they cooked a pig for us, took us through aggressive driving courses. hehe they tried to show off because most of us were ex special forces and Mechanized Infantries. Oorah.  I donate to them to this day, I wear all their gear when I lift."

Today you are a more creative and art oriented person. I believe we all have that in us but in your case what do you think kept you from achieving those creative things before?

"Synesthesia :) I have a TBI lol maybe I can now suddenly understand art and realize what the hell creativity is. Or I just found a way to express fitness and a healthy lifestyle in a sexy way. Living healthy and having a healthy lifestyle has always dominated my character ever since I joined the Marine Corps in 2002 :)"

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

"Dang, hopefully married. I want to have a kid eventually. I grew up in the worst environment ever. Drugs, death, neglect, poverty, no parents. I know exactly how not to raise a child, so I'm pretty sure this kid will be awesome:)"

Comments

[Krysta Miralli]

Still lookin Deelicious as ever. Thank you for your service, stud.

[amanda briggs]

Wow I just fell even more in love with you :-) I didn't think you could get anymore perfect by just what I've seen and heard thus far..this is amazing and so are you!! Your kid will be the luckiest kid ever and will certainly be awesome!

[Anita]

You're wish all the best in your future. You really are a hero..i thank you what you have done for our country..stay strong always, Anita

[Regan Bevan]

I am an Aussie woman who's daddy is a Vietnam Veteran. I get about the sacrifices that are made. What you do to protect your country and keep the freedom is truely amazing. Keep up your great work and good luck with your Competitions. Cheers to You!!!

[Valerie Fish]

For everything you have been through you look great. I come from a military family my dad and all his brothers. They went through Vietnam so I thank you for your service also good luck in all you do and God bless.

[christine pennell]

oorah Marine i must say that you 1 of the finest usmc ive ever laid my eyes on and i wish each day that i find my Marine just like you to be all mine and best of wishs to you and ur career

[Shannon W]

I just wanna say wow.. As a member of the Armed Forces .. I wanna say I'm proud... Not only did you come out of a few tours you also saw the worst part of war.. Yet your back not only living life as you should but in a healthy manner.. I just wanna say I salute you.. me and allllllllll my battles salute you!!! I say HOAAAHHHHHH!!!