Rosie the Response Boat

Tyler Benson is from St. Louis, Michigan.  He has served in the United States Coast Guard for more than 18 years.  He began writing short stories about his search and rescue adventures in the Coast Guard to educate his three young daughters about what Daddy does when he goes on duty for 48 hours at a time.  He wanted his daughters to learn the importance of service to their country and helping those in need.  To help his daughters better understand his job, Tyler wrote the stories featuring his real station's morale dog, Onyx.  These stories soon evolved into a dream.  This dream would be a tribute and a way to bring recognition to all who serve or have served in the United States Coast Guard. Tyler is still currently serving in the United States Coast Guard in Highlands, New Jersey, where he lives with his wife, Kristy, and four children. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and raised in Jenison, Michigan, Kristy Benson attended Alma College after graduating high school.  At Alma, she earned her teaching certificate and degree in childhood education.  Kristy resides with her husband, Tyler, and four children in Gloucester, Virginia.