For Eli Benge, growing up in a military family has meant learning lessons about sacrifice, strength and appreciation from someone he admires most — his father.
Benge’s dad has spent the last 22 years serving in the military, beginning his career by recruiting people into the National Guard before steadily rising through the ranks. Today, he serves as a command sergeant major and, according to Eli, became one of the fastest individuals in history to achieve the rank of E-9.
Watching that journey unfold has left a lasting impact on Eli.
“I love my dad and appreciate everything he has done for me,” Benge said. “Through the years, me and him have had to overcome a lot of things — him growing up and me growing up through high school — to become the man he is today.”
While Eli said having a father in the military was not necessarily difficult, there were challenges that came with it, especially when his dad was away for long periods of time.
“It was rather frustrating because he’s gone more often than normal,” Benge said. “Luckily my dad has a big heart and makes time for me through high school to make sports and my life a mandatory thing.”
Those experiences helped shape Eli’s perspective on family and resilience. He said one of the biggest lessons he has learned is to never take time with loved ones for granted.
“Things can be a struggle no matter where or what he’s doing,” Benge said. “But knowing he’s the command sergeant major, you know he’s going to be safe. It has improved me to be strong even if things would go south and I would have to fill the shoes of my father.”
Beyond strength, Eli said his father’s service taught him gratitude and perspective, especially for children growing up in military households.
“If you’re a kid or an older teenager and you’re going through a rough time not seeing your dad or mother because of the military, just remember they are doing these things for you,” Benge said. “If things would go south, they would do anything to get back to make sure you’re OK and doing great. They never have the thought of not wanting to make you happy.”
Although Eli does not plan to follow his father directly into the military, he still wants to dedicate his future to serving others. He hopes to become either a patrol officer or sheriff, continuing the family’s commitment to protecting and helping people in a different way.
