
Notes for Untitled Admiral Benítez Biography #3
Ana was a quiet middle child who spent most of her youth with the crew of her parent’s yacht. The rugged seafarers taught her everything about the ocean. Ana recognized the difference between the wealthy who aspired to be Western and the poor who had no other option than to be Yaran.
As a teenager, she cut ties with her family. Joining the navy was an obvious choice. She became the youngest Lieutenant and, while stationed in the capital, met her future husband. Leon worked in the Administration Office of the Navy. They have two daughters: Ana “Gorda” Benítez II (9), Ana “Lita” Benítez III (3).
Castillo promoted Ana from Lieutenant to Minister of the Navy. With the travel demands of the position, Ana decided that the children needed a stable upbringing. Leon would raise the children and their family’s home base would continue to be in the capital. Over the course of my visit, she spoke to her children over a dozen times.