Benton's Books

Ya know, after all my years in the military, I still fail to understand why civilians place themselves in dangerous places and during times of conflict. No, I'll be the first to admit, I do NOT like reporters and never have...not since Southeast Asia and their lies....but that aside, what sane person would go into a combat zone and then ask to be saved from injury or death?

Combat zones are NOT places where either side controls much, now I realize the middle-east is jacked up in many ways to start with, but it is almost impossible to know where these captured folks are kept. Just like in Asia, the people all look the same, so there is no way to determine who is who...and, though it breaks the families hearts, there is just so much the militlary can do.

When in Thailand I was told by an American civilain working there that the pay was what motivated him to take the job, but as I look back I realize many Americans are in the middle east for the same reason....MONEY...regardless if they are a sanitation engineer or a reporter...that's where the money is. Now, I am NOT talking about our military forces, those men and women are there because they chose the military as a profession..one of a warrior, and I salute them. They have little choice in where they go or even when, I know because I am and was one of them. I will always be a Senior Master Sergeant, just retired is all.

But, like the Sergeant who leads his patrol out at night for an ambush, or the fighter pilot who straps a plane to his ass, when you enter a combat zone you'd better have your sh** together, and why in the world would you be there if you didn't have to be...and don't give me this idiotic "they are reporters" crap and that's why they are there. You and I are not there, and trust me, we've chosen wisely. I spent my time in different countries, and some were not friendly, but again, no sane person goes into a combat zone without KNOWING the risk..Not soul. So, when the crap hits the fan, ....don't cry to me for help.  You're a big boy or girl, AND YOU made the decision to be where you are, not me.

Old Sarge

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2005 Silver Medal Awards

Given to books that are excellent examples of their genres.

Presented by the Militaray Writers Society of America

Simple Survival: A Family Outdoors Guide

by Gary L. Benton

I am honored to announce that my book, Simple Survival a Family Outdoors Guide, has won the Military Writers Society of America's Silver Award for excellence in the reference and guide category! I feel especially honored because as a retired military Noncommissioned Officer, I know the evaluation board is made up of prior active duty personnel and some retired with very high ranks. It is a honor to be selected from what I know is a tough group of men and women who have selected my book based on its merit and nothing else. If I learned anything in the military it was the our members were very rarely ever recognized or awarded for things that were undeserving, so I know the board looked at my book long and hard before making a decision. It is this knowledge that adds a lot of meaning to the award.

For most authors it is deeply satisfying just seeing the finished product in print. It is a great feeling to pick up a book, see your name on the cover, and know the information inside was written by you. Most folks don't realize the simple act of writing a book is at times very difficult task and to keep it organized can be a real headache. The finding of a publisher, editing, proofing, cover design, and many other aspects of the job can become very frustrating at times for an experienced author and real nightmare for the beginner. Most authors, I suspect, are like me, they'd prefer to write and leave the rest for someone else to do.  But, it is the awards or recognition by others, that mean the most to me and keep we writing. 

If you'd like to look Simple Survival over, visit my survival site by clicking here. Or, you can visit my publisher here.

Y'all have a great day and take care.

Gary Benton, a.k.a., "WR Benton"

Why is it, most women will spend days rearranging the furniture after buying a simple plant? Now, a man will first off never buy a plant, but if he did, he would for sure will give little consideration as to where to place it in the house. IF I BOUGHT a plant, I'd throw it in the corner near the door, so it would get some light and leave it, most likely, until it died due a lack of water. I admit to being "Plant Unaware" ok, so shoot me. Actually, I don't like plants or anything that requires attention. I just spent the weekend, moving everything we own, so a $9.00 plant would look good...heaven forbid it was off-centered or not color coordinated. Now, let's understand something here, I love my wife, I don't hate my momma, and even my sisters are alright, but why all the up-tee-doo over a potted plant? I fail to understand.

Let's look at sofa's too....We have had eight in three years...none of the fabrics or colors were right...or the size was wrong....and I'm confused. When I lived alone....I had the same sofa for 6 years..and you could still park your butt on it...so what was the problem? None...it is a butt parking spot and most will work...unless you are a woman...then the whole world evolves around ONE item in the house.

Now, let's consider this...if everything must match and be the "right" design, then the battle of interior design is constant....and I just don't have the time for that crap. I want a table, a chair, bed, and a desk (colors don't matter much)....I don't care if I have a TV...don't watch the things anyway...radio (can listen to cd's or radio online), or a lot of other comforts most Amercians demand....why? When I was in the military we did without most things...and by choice, but then again, I learned not to need or use some things....I don't even eat catsup on my fries....mainly because I don't eat fries.....or other fast foods. I love me meat and taters.

As you can tell, I'm between books and ramblling. MY wife will read my entry tonight..and I'll be in serious trouble, but I've been there before. I have a MS in psychology...so, I know there is a difference between men and women (actually, I learned that in the back seat of a '57 Chevy in 1968), and I make NO amends to what I've said. Men are simple folk..women want balance, color and coordination...ok.

WR Benton

Ya know, as a man who spent over 26 years in the military, I'd imagine the average person dosen't give much thought to our men and women in uniform most of the time. While I agree, there is no draft and they are there by choice, they are serving us. Now, I don't want to put you on the spot, but honestly, what have you done for our country? I know everyone cannot serve in the military and some don't want to do so, but that's ok, but what else have you done? Have you assisted our nations poor? Helped the handicapped? Donated a little time to the scouts, little league, or other things? Each of us owes our great nation a debt, of so I feel. I had the feeling when I was 18 and I still have it.

I guess that might ruffle more than a few tail feathers, especially from those who think America owes them something. All I have to say to them is, I've spent more than one major holiday alone, eating what I could find, and thanking God I was doing my job. No, I was not in the killing fields, but for every man or woman on the front, there are countless others behind them supporting them. Loneliness, homesickness, and fear are a part of any soldier, sailor, marine, or airman's life...and to each of you men and women...the Old Sarge, WR Benton, salutes you. I am proud that after I retired that others quickly picked up the sword and shield and went forward. May God bless each of you. HOOOAAAAA!

WR Benton

I've been swamped doing a new book, so not much time to post.  I will post more tomorrow, once I finish editing a book called War Paint that I have just finished.

WR Benton