About the Author

Stanley Victor Paskavich was born at St. Mary's hospital in Centralia, Illinois December 19, 1958. After graduating at Sandoval High School, he worked there as a janitor a few years. On March 16, 1979 he joined the United States Air Force and served thirteen and one half years, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant. He maintained a nine performance level, which is the highest mark, for his entire career. After volunteering to work at the Port Mortuary in Dover, Delaware during Desert Storm and Desert Shield as NCOIC (Non Commissioned Officer In Charge) of the body handlers, he returned back to his home base of K. I. Sawyer AFB in Gwinn, Michigan. His life and career went severely downhill. He began suffering from PTSD and bipolar disorder, along with suicidal ideation. The base was in transition of closing so he took an SSB buyout in September, 1991 and ended his career in the Air force. His condition ultimately caused a divorce. After many years of therapy and medical treatment he now maintains a somewhat balanced and healthy life. He says that his poetry is where he hides his demons. He has been writing poetry since he was seventeen years old. Stan says, "As far as my life and the lives of other veterans, don't be afraid to go to the V. A. and get the help you need. They have done wonders with my life and, without their help, I probably wouldn't be here today."