MEXICO CITY, MX AND GALLUP, NM / ACCESS Newswire / October 31, 2025 / During this year's Indian National Finals Rodeo, a very special Veteran Spotlight sponsored by True Vet, honored Benny M. Yazzie. Yazzie is a proud Gallup High School Bengal, Vietnam veteran, and respected member of one of the region's noted rodeo families. His grandchildren Rooster Yazzie, granddaughter Odessa Yazzie, Ashley Yazzie and Hi-Yo Yazzie are competing in the INFR arena this week.

In December 1966, while a senior at Gallup High School, Benny and several classmates were unexpectedly summoned to the gymnasium and drafted into the Vietnam War. His family did not learn of his deployment until two weeks later, when his clothes were mailed home. What should have been his graduation year instead became a time of service and sacrifice in conflict overseas.

After he was honorably discharged in 1973, Mr. Yazzie devoted himself to his family, community, and work. Employed for over 20 years as a motor equipment operator with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he and his wife Sarahlene raised six children and instilled a deep respect for education. All his children and grandchildren have since graduated from high school, and many have pursued higher education.

Despite this legacy, Mr. Yazzie never officially held a high school diploma. His daughter, Sheryl Yazzie, worked with GMCS Superintendent Mike Hyatt, State Senator George Muñoz, and other local leaders to make that right. Their efforts aligned with New Mexico Senate Bill 99 (2020), legislation that permits New Mexico school districts to award high school diplomas to Vietnam veterans who left school to serve. The bill passed unanimously in both houses and was signed into law on March 6, 2020.

On July 24, 2023, during a GMCS Board of Education meeting, Mr. Benny M. Yazzie finally received his Gallup High School diploma, surrounded by his family. The moment represented 56 years of perseverance and community support.

"Mr. Yazzie is a living testament to the power of education, service, and family commitment," said Superintendent Mike Hyatt. "We are honored to acknowledge him, not only as a veteran and member of our community, but now as an official Gallup High School graduate."

GMCS invites any Vietnam veteran in New Mexico who did not complete high school due to military service, and whose circumstances fall under Senate Bill 99, to contact their former school district to inquire about the diploma process. Veterans residing in the Gallup-McKinley County School District may begin that process through the GMCS Student Support Center.

Media Contact:

Contact: Jvanna Hanks, Deputy Superintendent
Gallup-McKinley County Schools
Jhanks@gmcs.org
https://www.gmcs.org/

SOURCE: Gallup-McKinley County Schools