392 – Tango Mike Mike: Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez

I was honored to speak with Yvette Benavidez Garcia, daughter of Medal of Honor recipient Roy Benavidez. Our conversation offered deep insights into the personal and heroic aspects of Roy’s life, profoundly captured in Yvette's book, "Tango Mike Mike," named after Roy’s military call sign. Growing up with a Medal of Honor Recipient for a father was a unique experience for Yvette. She described Roy as a strict yet affectionate parent, who balanced humor and generosity with the intelligence and discipline he developed through military service. Despite the physical and emotional scars from his time in Vietnam, he was a protective father, often taking extra measures to ensure his family's privacy and safety due to his post-traumatic stress disorder. Yvette’s commitment to honoring her father’s legacy led her to target a young audience with her literary work, aiming to instill values of courage, resilience, and service in future generations. She shared the societal challenges veterans face, such as underappreciation and lack of support, comparing the recognition given to entertainers and athletes with that accorded to military personnel. Our discussion also touched on the personal impact of her father's legacy, from the lack of community understanding and empathy regarding his disabilities to the inspirational stories that showcased his values, like the unique ways he woke her up in the morning and his cherished 1958 red Chevrolet truck. These anecdotes highlight not only Roy's valor but his role as a loving, religious, and witty individual. Looking ahead, Yvette is continuing her mission with upcoming works like "The Ballad of Roy Benavidez," which explores his lineage and influences, and a re-release of "The Three Wars of Roy Benavidez," offering an in-depth look at his military experiences. You can purchase Tango Mike Mike on Amazon and follow Yvette’s author page using the following link https://a.co/d/0mk53wR Thank you, Yvette, for sharing with us.