Salute: Multi-talented captain's eclectic skills a boon for deployed units
MOUNT DORA – "He can do it all," said Vietnam War Leatherneck George Wanberg, a member of the State of Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame.
"Seriously. I'd be proud to serve in Captain Ben Mongiovi's command, even if he is an Army officer and not a Marine," Wanberg said, being sure to get in a service-rivalry poke at his friend, who is sometimes called "Dr. Mongiovi" (Ed.D., Liberty University) – plus closing in on three masters degrees from elsewhere, in three different disciplines.
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"In Ben's case (Mongiovi's given name is Benedetto but he has answered to 'Detto' and other colorful variations since his childhood in Hackettstown, New Jersey), we are talking 'all-purpose back, all-around cowboy, renaissance man, do you know what I'm saying?"
Mongiovi keeps himself in more than decent shape and has been a successful businessman, entertainer, college faculty member, substance abuse counselor, requisitions whiz and, according to friend Wanberg, has earned the reputation of "a guy who can go in immediately, assess the situation and start operating."
Benedetto enlisted in the Army Reserve at the age of 33. Yes, that is possible, especially if you already possess some of the skills today's warfighting and training units require – and especially if you demonstrate the aptitude to learn and apply even more.
Hence his documented MOS quals run the gamut from Heavy Equipment Operator and Military Signal Support Specialist as a trooper, to Army Health Services Plans, Operations and Intelligence Officer on the commissioned side, with more beside – and a impressive chunk of temporary assignments that tasked Mongiovi with planning, designing and vetting processes and ultimate solutions for sister units, including some that were just coming into being.
In civilian life – when he is not deployed on this or that mission with an ad hoc organization which happens to need someone with a proven talent and background for logistics or computer-driven strategic analysis or even psychology – Ben is a veteran liaison with VITAS, the largest Hospice Care provider in the country.
"It's the best job in the world for me," Mongiovi said. "These good folks pay me to promote veteran care. And more: to promote and recognize and honor veterans themselves.
"I have been passionate about it for years," said the Iraq war vet and proud father of a battle-tested 82nd Airborne paratrooper and father-in-law to a Fort Carson, Colorado-based Soldier.
"And as a reservist, I get to 'stay green,'" he states, appreciatively.
Ben is referring to the not-so-well-kept secret of a Reserve asset's ability to log a lot of deployed time by being found qualified and credentialed in a number of disciplines and being ready, willing and able when the bell rings.
That has meant for Mongiovi an unusually large helping of short-term military schooling all over the U.S., deployed time in Kuwait and Turkey in addition to Iraq (and the opportunity to serve with his son for a season of time in the theater of operations), plus travel to Germany, Ireland, Canada and Mexico.
"Again, VITAS is supportive. How can you not like an employer who is willing to take the long view? Who can see that investing in your people and in a good cause (veteran care) is going to turn out to be a winner?" he asks.
In addition to his strong faith, the real story behind Ben's success is his 23-year marriage to bride Lisa Marie, "who supports me, believes in me, and encourages me like crazy," he said.
It is clear, as Ben and an interviewer attack huge salads and slices of Old Country pizza at El Marie's (an establishment you'll find at the north end of Ferran Park in Eustis), that this is a man who is not going to be late coming home.
Ben will be surprising Lisa with something from the restaurant that he knows she will like; and he expresses wonder and thanksgiving for having been gifted with a life partner who enjoys being with him but also revels in the mutual support that each gives the other to nourish their own unique gifts, as well.
And on his list of hobbies – which includes kayaking, playing the piano and singing – is this one: "Whatever else my wife wants to do."
