Benino Garcia Jr.

Nino was a husband, father, grand father, brother, uncle, friend and volunteer.
He was raised by his sister, Luz and her husband, Margarito Perez after his mother died, when he was 3 yrs old.
Nino’s service to his country started when he volunteered with the Army Reserve in 1962. He went active duty in 1963 with the U.S. Army and was sent to Germany where he mastered the German language. In 1965 he met and married his first wife Roswitha (Rosie) Pfalzgraf. They welcomed two sons, Micheal Robert and Jay Anthony.
In 1966 he served with the 1st Infantry Division in Viet Nam. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action. One Bronze Star and two Army Commendation Medals.
Upon his return from Viet Nam he was assigned to LSU as an assistant professor of Military Science. After 2 1/2 years he was reassigned to go back to Germany.
There he met and married his second wife Ingeborg (Inge) Korn. They welcomed one daughter, Beatrice.
Nino retired on April 1, 1986. He moved to Galveston and fished for a whole year. He and Beatrice moved back to Houston to be close to family. He soon met and married his 4th and last wife, Anita in 1989 and gained 4 extra children, Rebecca, Ramona, Vidal and Stephen. He joined the VFW and quickly became an integral part of the organization. Became their District Commander in 1995. He put together a military burial detail that included a 21 gun salute.
He started a Citizens on Patrol Group that was recognized by the Police Dept in 1990. In 1991 he joined the Texas State Guard and retired as a Warrant Officer II.
Boy Scouts was started with his best friend and nephew Raul Maldonado. He hunted and fished with Raul, they were buddies and pals.
Nino worked for EZ Pawn and very quickly became a manager. He worked for Metro- Lift transporting disabled people. A job he really enjoyed. Won driver of the year two years in a row, 1997 - 1999.
He and his wife then moved to Beeville where he worked for the Prison System. Moved to San Antonio in 2003 to be close to Anita and her job. There it was discovered that he had throat cancer.
We finally moved back to Houston where he was completely retired.
In 2006 was the start of his slow battle with Agent Orange. Benino Garcia lost his battle November 27, 2020. Freedom is not Free.