Tell Me Another War Story

Tell Me Another War Story is about the life and legacy of Evans Garcia, who was born in 1913 in Dona Ana, New Mexico, and who fought in World War II with New Mexico National Guard's 200th Coast Artillery (AA) in the Philippines. His unit was the first to fire on the enemy in the Pacific and, on April 9, 1942, the last unit to lay their arms down in the Battle of Bataan when they were surrendered, subsequently taken captive as prisoners of war, and forced on the ruthless, inhumane Bataan Death March.The story begins by tracing Evans' rural upbringing with families who worked in Mesilla Valley's agricultural fields and farms, and follows him through the war experiences on Bataan, his harrowing near-death hardships as a POW, a hellship voyage, and as a slave laborer in a condemned Japanese coal mine. Through it all, he kept his faith in God, and had a way of finding the silver lining, and often, humor, in the midst of the anguish of war. After the war, Evans returned to New Mexico, worked in Santa Fe with the Selective Service System for 25 years, and poured his energy into veteran activities, always ready and willing to serve his fellow soldier.His daughter, Margaret, listened to and wrote down his war stories for years. Initially, she did not realize the importance of them, but at one point, was inspired to pull her notes together and tell his story. "Dad's mantra to me was, 'Do everything you can so they don't forget Bataan, '" Margaret said. "That was one of my goals in writing this story, and it took me on an unexpected and unforgettable journey that has made my life richer."Margaret lives in Albuquerque with her cat, Tyson.