As we approach Hispanic Heritage Month, join NYHealth for a conversation with Dr. William Sturkey of the University of Pennsylvania as he discusses his book, The Ballad of Roy Benavidez: The Life and Times of America’s Most Famous Hispanic War Hero.
U.S. Army Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez, a Medal of Honor recipient, was renowned for his actions during the Vietnam War and his advocacy for veterans’ rights. His actions on May 2, 1968, when he saved the lives of eight soldiers despite being seriously wounded, remain a powerful example of selfless service. Beyond the battlefield, Benavidez was instrumental in safeguarding disability benefits for veterans through his testimony on Capitol Hill, a legacy that continues to resonate in policies protecting veterans’ benefits.
Dr. Sturkey will delve into Benavidez’s enduring legacy, exploring his military service, his advocacy work on veterans’ benefits, and the broader contributions of Hispanic and Latino-American veterans.
Speaker:
Dr. William Sturkey, Associate Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania