For U.S. Coast Guardsman Tyler Benson, one question cut deeper than the cold waves of the Great Lakes: “Why aren’t you home, Dad?” It was a question asked by his own children, yearning to understand why their father was often away on long duty shifts.
In search of an answer that could bridge the gap between his duty and his family, Tyler embarked on a creative journey that became the heartwarming children’s book series, “Adventures of Onyx.” Written from the perspective of Onyx, the beloved black lab of Coast Guard St. Ignace Station, the series brings the life of the Coast Guard to children in a way they can easily understand.
Tyler’s journey began when he enrolled in the Coast Guard as a reservist, later transferring to active duty. His first assignment took him to the St. Ignace Station on the ice-breaker cutter Biscayne Bay in 2006. Two years later, the station adopted Onyx, a black lab who quickly became a loyal and lovable companion.
Meanwhile, Tyler and his wife Kristy were building their family, moving between duty stations across the East Coast - from New York to Virginia to New Jersey. With each move, their family grew, eventually welcoming three daughters and a son. But their hearts always yearned to return home to the Great Lakes region, specifically Northern Michigan.
In 2019, the opportunity finally came. Tyler transferred back to the St. Ignace Station as Chief, reuniting him with Onyx. In a bittersweet twist of fate, Tyler ended his Coast Guard career where it all began, at St. Ignace Station. Sadly, Onyx passed away in June 2020, but not before Tyler and his family spent the last six months with the faithful station dog who had inspired so many stories.
Through “Adventures of Onyx,” Tyler brought Onyx’s big life in the Coast Guard to the page. His first book, “Adventures of Onyx - The Guardians of the Straits,” launched at the 2012 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival to resounding success. The festival was even themed after Onyx! Inspired by the response, Tyler and Kristy published 10 more books over the next 11 years. Every story told through Onyx’s eyes captures missions in the Great Lakes region, particularly the Straits of Mackinac. Titles like “The Mighty Mackinac,” “The Gales of November,” and “The Lords of the Lakes” have drawn readers of all ages into the duties of the Coast Guard.
The “Adventures of Onyx” series does more than entertain - it educates. Tyler draws from his 23 years of Coast Guard experience to teach children and adults alike about the Coast Guard’s mission. When requests began pouring in for books for younger readers, Tyler and Kristy co-wrote “Rosie the Response Boat” in 2017, a tale of kindness and teamwork. They even expanded their storytelling with a coloring book and plush toys of Onyx and Rosie to meet their fans' requests.
The Bensons’ mission goes beyond storytelling. Determined to give back to the Coast Guard community, they’ve established a special initiative: with every purchase of an autographed Onyx or Rosie book, a Coast Guard child can choose a book from their wish list at no cost. It’s the Bensons' way of ensuring that even when families are separated by duty, stories can help keep them connected.
Through the pages of “Adventures of Onyx,” Tyler found a way to explain to his children why he was often away on extended duty shifts. Beyond that, he’s left a legacy of adventure, courage and connection for generations of readers who are learning about the critical mission of the U.S. Coast Guard.