Together 34 years: How Notre Dame football helped a veteran find his true love

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- This weekend’s Notre Dame matchup is about more than just football — it’s about faith, service, and love. And for one local couple, that story started right here in South Bend more than three decades ago.

Serge R. Romero, a Navy firefighter from Long Island, New York, served from 1981 to 1987. His time in the military took him from the Great Lakes to Puerto Rico, where he faced more than his share of danger — including a fire that nearly took his life.

“I would do it again,” Serge said. “It was a job I loved, and I have no regrets.”

After being medically retired, life led him to Indiana — and to Carol, the woman who would become his wife. Their very first date was during the 1991 Notre Dame vs Navy game. They were sitting at a local bar when an older man nearby mentioned he wasn’t feeling well enough to attend. The couple traded him a beer for his two game tickets.

That small act led to something much bigger. Through the snow and cold of that 1991 game — which Navy won — Serge and Carol shared their first kiss.

“It was the start of my life for the last 35 years,” Serge said.

Carol smiled as she recalled that moment. “Notre Dame brings people together. It’s a feeling you can’t describe. I’ve loved it my whole life, and I was glad he accepted it and grew with me.”

Two years later, after a trip to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, the two got married. Carol says Serge’s kindness and strength drew her in.

Now, more than three decades later, they’re heading back to Notre Dame Stadium together — this time with help from VetTix, an organization that donates game tickets to veterans and active service members.

What started as a simple beer-for-tickets trade has turned into a lifelong love story — one built on faith, resilience, and a shared connection to Notre Dame.

“Sometimes it’s just a magical thing that happens and you can’t explain it,” Serge said.

So, if you’re heading to the game tonight, maybe talk to the person next to you — because you never know where one conversation might lead.