Benito “Ben” Garcia
Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
Benito “Ben” Garcia is a native of Dallas, Texas, and he joined the Veterans Assistance Commission in March 2025.
He served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years, beginning in 2002 and served in eight duty stations. During his last two duty assignments, he was the First Sergeant for an artillery unit and for an aviation training squadron. He also served as a Congressional Liaison for Headquarters Marine Corp and was a Congressional Fellow at the Committee of Veterans Affairs at the U.S. Senate. Infantry by trait, he served in multiple roles which include Basic Rifleman, Team Leader, Scout, Squad Leader, Combat Instructor, Platoon Sergeant, and Company Gunnery Sergeant. He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to An-Najaf and Husaybah, Iraq and twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Marjah, Afghanistan.
Ben’s personal awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a combat device and (3) gold stars in lieu of 4th award, the Navy Achievement Medal with combat device, and the Combat Action Ribbon with a gold star in lieu of second award.
While in active duty, he continued his education at the American Military University. Before retiring from the Marines, Ben earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. In November 2022, Ben made Lake County his home to be close to his sons Mario and Timothy.
