Latinos and Latinas are heroes too!!

Almost twenty percent (18.4) of active duty military self identify as Latinos with slightly more women than men. Our heroic stories deserve to be told. We are the backbone of a country who needs our labor but doesn’t care if we have rights. Regarding of the stereotypes, We are doctors, lawyers, teachers and Medal of Honor recipients.

I’ve been thinking about this book for days since I finished it. It was very emotional reading for me. For context, I served the US Navy, I know and love many veterans and am a daughter of Cuban immigrants. Naturally reading this book was inspirational and infuriating. But a must read!!

Mr. Sturkey wanted to tell the complete story of Raul Perez Benavidez, aka Roy, a Vietnam era Mexican - Yaqui- American Medal of Honor recipient and he succeeded. Bravo Zulu!

The story starts in 1820 explaining the Benavidez family history. I welcome the author telling the heroic part of the story, and the dark sides of the story. Tackling the history of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination that set the stage for Roy to find himself a poor, orphaned high school dropout. Perfect target to make a deal with Uncle Sam - writing a blank check (up to and including your life) in exchange for a path to financial stability and upward mobility.

When politicians in DC have asked, Latinos have answered the call to war sparked by a desire for acceptance and appreciation by this country (and perhaps because of the disenfranchisement causing many to seek financial stability). The politicians made promises when then needed boots on the ground only to develop amnesia when it was time to cash the checks.

Vietnam was a controversial conflict, but the story of Roy’s life and military career is so incredible - why wasn’t a movie ever made? Why did he have to fight for a book deal?

Roy Benavidez deserves his story to be known and to inspire for generations to come.

Thanks to @netgalley and @basicbooks and Mr. Sturkey for the ARC. It is my honor and privilege to support this book.

My review for this work is coming out on Kirkus reviews in the coming weeks...so, my feedback will be presented there.