Timeline
This is a timeline, summarizing the life of our Dad. He led a good and long life that provided an example of humility, loyalty, love and generosity. His life has left a positive impact on his family, including those who have come in touch with him. Remembering him, let us continue to live our lives that would make him proud.
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1926
On April 4, Bernardo Benigno was born in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He was the 3rd child of Silverio Lacara Benigno and Feliza Pascua. He had two older brothers, Francisco (Kiko) and Pedro. Later, his sister Romula would be born.
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 Bernardo registered as a High School Freshman at Ilocos Norte Trade School in Laoag City. The school taught regular high school subjects as well as military science. This education gave him broad insight about military training.
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7 and the United States declared war on Japan the next day. The Japanese Army invades and occupies the Philippines.
The town of Vintar formed a militia called the Parut Bolomen Company to warn them of Japanese arrivals and to protect them from criminals, gangs and bandits. Just a teenager, he joined this militia. Initially, he was appointed as a Lieutenant. He eventually became second in command and combat training instructor. |
1946
After the war, he left the Philippines on the USS Maunawili and arrived in Maui, Hawaii. He became a Sakada to work as a plantation worker at HC&S Co. in Puunene.
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 In March, Bernardo was drafted into the U.S. Army. He marries Laureana (Laura) Tabisola before being shipped to Korea. In June, he arrives in Korea and becomes a cannoneer in a tank company. During combat, he is wounded and sent to Nagoya Air Force Hospital in Japan. After he recuperates, he returns to Korea. He is promoted to Sergeant E-5.
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1952
He is assigned stateside at Schofield Barracks in Oahu. He is then sent to Camp Irwin in Barstow, California. He is a tank gunnery instructor.
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With a wife and 5 children ranging in ages from 1 to 6 years old he is assigned to Ft. Polk, Louisiana. Gail, Lydia, David, Nanette and Van. It was an interesting experience for Bernardo and his family to be living in the South when segregation was still in effect.
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1960
As an E-6, Sgt. Benigno is stationed in Baumholder, Germany as a Tank Commander with the 68th Armor Battalion 8th Infantry Division. Baumholder is in southern Germany close to the French border. He travels to Germany to find a home and his family follows soon thereafter. During this time, he and his family take many trips to surrounding countries such as Amsterdam, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland and France.
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Promoted to an E-7 his next tour of duty is Cuchi, Vietnam. He and his family travel back to the states and he helps his family settle in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. As a naturalized U.S. Citizen, he submits petitions for his two brothers, his sister and their children to come to Hawaii. He travels to Vietnam on the USS General Walker.
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1966-1970
His next tour of duty is back to Germany. Bernardo and his family with their 6th child, Bernadette, travel from Honolulu Airport to Frankfurt International Airport. They settle in their 3rd floor apartment in Hanau. During this time he is promoted to E-8. His brothers, sister and numerous nieces and nephews arrive in Hawaii.
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Bernardo and his family travel to his next duty station at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Two years later, Bernardo and his family transfers back to Hawaii, but two of his children, Gail and Lydia stay in the mainland to pursue their futures. Gail is attending the University of Texas and Lydia joins the Navy. Bernardo and Laura divorce after 22 years of marriage.
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1974
Bernardo takes Bernadette with him to visit the Philippines. He falls in love and marries his next wife, Griselda (Grace) Agbayani.
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After serving 24 years, he retires from the Army as an E-8 Master Sergeant. Following in his military footsteps, Lydia served in the Navy, Van served in the Army, David, Nanette and Damian served in the Air Force. |
1975-1979
Bernardo and Grace have 4 children, Damian, Bernardo, Gabriel and Jennifer. They settle into their new house in Mililani. Using his GI Bill, he enrolls at Leeward Community College. He also obtains a job as a Pier Master with the Pearl Harbor Navy Shipyard. He captains the Juicy Lucy to monitor environmental impacts to the harbor.
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 Over the coming years, Bernardo becomes more politically active writing several Letters to the Editor of major newspapers in Honolulu. He earns an Associates Degree in Management and Liberal Arts at Leeward College. He enters West Oahu College to earn his BA degree.
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1992-1993
His second family is growing fast. Bernardo begins to experience health problems, so he retires from his second career at the Pearl Harbor Navy Shipyard. In 1993, he hosts a lavish party at the Schofield Barracks Officer's Club to celebrate Damian's High School graduation combined with a Family Reunion. Over 300 guests attended including Laura and his 6 children with their husbands/wives and children. His first family and his second family were present at this memorable event.
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 He continues to raise his children, writes Letters to the Editor, continues his Philanthropic efforts and visits the Philippines periodically. He also travels to the mainland to visit his children and his grandchildren. In 2000, Nanette passes away from cancer. He begins writing his book, A Sakada's Destiny a memoir of his life. This book was written from the heart so that his children, grandchildren and descendants will know who he is and what he stood for.
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2004
Gail and her husband Max work with the officials of F. Camaquin Elementary School in Vintar to build a gazebo in a small park on the grounds of the school. The park and gazebo is named after him. When he visits the Philippines, they surprise him with the honor and many speeches are made.
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 The Kalayaan Philippines and Hawaii International presented the Huwaran Award to Bernardo for all his humanitarian efforts.
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2007-2014
He attends the weddings of the children of his second family. Damian, Jennifer, Gabriel and Bernardo. He travels to Pennsylvania to visit Jennifer and her husband. They travel to Washington D.C. to visit the war memorials and to New York to see the Statue of Liberty. He sees the monuments and symbols of freedom he has fought for during his lifetime.
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 On April 2, after a lengthy illness, Bernardo passes away in his sleep at home with his family. He is at peace with God.
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