Desert Tails Kitchen
Semper-Fido
Semper-Fido
Meet our Co-Founder and Hero.
Ronald Benigo, Captain USMC, ret.
Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1939, Ron graduated Pershing High School in 1957 promptly enlisting in the United States Marine Corp. Shortly after arriving, he was quickly identified for his academic intelligence and sent to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. During his time at the Academy, Ron was a fierce welter-weight boxer. He was eventually promoted to the Color Company Commander honorably marching in John F. Kennedy’s inauguration parade. In 1964 Ron graduated 15th in his class in Marine Engineering. After graduating, Ron married his loving wife Julie (60 years and counting) in 1965, who he had met on a blind date at an Army vs. Navy football game years earlier. Shortly after their marriage, while expecting there first child, Ron was shipped off to Vietnam.
During his time in Vietnam, Ron then a First Lieutenant, was awarded the Silver Star by the President of the United States Lyndon B. Johnson on August 10, 1966.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Ronald Benigo (MCSN: 0-89391), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, on 10 August 1966, in the Republic of Vietnam. While serving as Executive Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Lieutenant Benigo was with the lead elements of the company when the company was fired upon by numerous heavily entrenched Viet Cong automatic weapons in a tree line. He distinguished himself by demonstrating uncommon leadership and professional skill to inspire the troops to move under fire, to set up the base of fire, and then immediately began to evacuate the wounded. Although he was himself wounded, he continued to repeatedly expose himself to intense automatic weapons fire in order to evacuate wounded Marines and keep the base of fire functioning. His aggressive and courageous actions were the determining factor in the success of the attack and the subsequent death of nineteen Viet Cong. By his daring actions and aggressive devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, First Lieutenant Benigo upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Retiring as a Captain in the USMC, Ron came home to raise his family, a son he had yet to meet. Settling in Dallas, Texas he began a long career working for Ross Perot’s company EDS (Electronic Data Systems), Visa and finally retiring from General Motors where he became a Vice President of Travel Services and Development. After retiring, Ron moved his family to Las Vegas, NV in 1995 so he could be closer to his 2 sons Bo and Sam who lived in California. Finding retirement unfulfilling, Ron enrolled in the College of Southern Nevada earning an accounting degree. After obtaining that degree, he went on to teach that very same class for the next 12 years at the college. After retiring for the 2nd time, Ron and Julie spent the following years enjoying their family and helping to raise their grandchildren.
Over the years Ron and Julie, and now family, have planted their roots in the community they love. Their mutual love of dogs helped inspire this next chapter in what has been an already amazing life. With their son Sam and his business partner Paul, Desert Tails Kitchen was born.
From all of us here at Desert Tails Kitchen, who have the pleasure of knowing this extraordinary man, we are proud to bring you his achievements and sacrifices that inspire us all to live a life worth living.
Semper Fido!
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