Gary L. Benton (Pen Name: W.R. Benton) is a retired United States military senior non-commissioned officer. He is a graduate of a number of U.S. Air Force Survival Schools, including Arctic, Water (Sea and Ocean), Mountain, and Jungle survival schools. He spent twelve years teaching parachuting techniques and survival skills to Air Force aircrew members as a Life Support Instructor.

"In my western Novels, I have attempted to show how everyday people, just like you and I, have influenced and settled this great country of ours. While they may have lived in a different period of America, they were typical of men and women of the time. They were a simple people with a strong sense of honor and deep determination to succeed at the task at hand. It is of these no-named people I write about, because they have contributed the most to our great nation.

The early settling of the American west was not for the faint of heart. The beaver trappers, or mountain men as they were commonly called, were some of the hardiest men this continent has ever produced. They often spent years alone or perhaps with a small group of others in the Rocky Mountains trapping, and discovering country that few, if any white men had ever seen before. It was a dangerous occupation and many did not last their first year. While the times were rough these men proved they were tougher.

But, as a Southerner, I appreciate a good belly laugh. I feel Southerners have a very unique sense of humor and it is often misunderstood by `outsiders.' My redneck book is a classic example of how Rednecks (which is an attitude, not a geographical location in the United States) view life. So, as my Northern friends often say, `chill y'all' and learn to laugh ... especially at others."

W.R. Benton has previously authored three books of The Plains Series, featuring Jarel Wade. His Fultus books are "Ty Fisher and the Blood of the Mountain Man" and "My Dawg Might be a Redneck."

His hobbies include camping, fishing, hiking, cartooning, and reading.

Mister Benton has an Associates Degree in Search and Rescue, Survival Operations, a Bachelors Degree in Occupational Safety and Health, and a Masters Degree in Psychology near completion. Sergeant Benton retired from the military in 1997 with over twenty-six years of active duty.

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