Poetic diary of a Southern gentleman Published March 10, 2008 By Senior Airman Ashley Crawford 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office ANDREWS AIR FORCE, Md. -- "A Man of His Word," is a title interpreted by the author as a man of honor and a man of poetry. The book is a collaboration of a work that took four years to build, and written by a man who said it was possible through a collage of experiences, goals, and the ability to skillfully express his thoughts with a pen in hand. Staff Sgt. Melvin Williams, 459th Civil Engineering Squadron utilities apprentice, spent the first 15 years of his military career as a "Devil Dog," 10 years on active-duty, then five years as a Marine Corps Reservist. In 2006, Sergeant Williams transferred to the blue and joined the Air Force Reserve. "I started out busy, and I like to just keep going," he said. Sergeant Williams is currently enrolled at George Mason University. After obtaining a bachelor's degree in biology, Sergeant Williams plans to enroll into a master's program studying neurology with long term-goals of becoming a neurologist. "As a result of everything that I'm involved with, people refer to me as the renaissance man," said Sergeant Williams. Writing at first for pleasure, the sergeant said his talents evolved into a chronological poetic-journal of life, transforming those experiences into motivational poetry for friends and family. Sergeant Williams' book was published in January. My feelings -- what I was going through when writing a poem, is what I expressed, Sergeant Williams said. "If you want to know about me, read my book." "The book, a table top edition, is a little mix of everything with inspirational and romantic chapters -- all depending on how the readers feel in that moment," Sergeant Williams said. Sergeant Williams said he was inspired to write "Remember the Fallen," which he describes as "a poem that I would encourage everyone to read because it is dedicated to veterans, civil rights activists, and everyone who gives of themselves to support someone else." Remember the Fallen Taking a silent moment to remember all those who have fallen and sacrificed their lives for the spirit of our freedom Remember the fallen The sons, daughters, wives, and husbands and those unsung heroes building the stars and stripes Embrace the leadership voices, defending civil rights and liberties beyond a mirage of wrong reasons and colorful leaves on the ground, commemorated in parades and several holiday seasons Remember the fallen Protecting civil and personal rights with their blood, sweat, and tears Fighting for what they believed Taking the paths others have talked about but never dared to walk Through tyranny and strife, they remained our shield against the mighty fist, a smoking gun, or the political taboo about the wounded and offensive stench circling the death toll No monument or thanks will ever be enough for the freed spirits created from the courageous footprints made by the last call of our men, women, and children Remember the fallen!