G. Mark LaFrancis has been a writer for more than thirty years, mostly in journalism. He has won many local, state and national writing awards as a reporter, editor and columnist. He is an Air Force retiree, serving four years active duty and 19 years Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. He is employed at the local community college where he manages public relations and marketing, teaches journalism and broadcasting, and advises the award-winning campus newspaper. He is the author of five novels for young readers, and has created a four-book series of poetry based on his interviews with soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan and their loved ones. The collection is "In Their Boots: Poems Inspired by Soldiers and Their Loved Ones." The first is Book One: Soldiers; the second is Book Two: Family. Two more books - Book Three: Home, and Book Four: Reflections are planned for 2012. Also, he has created a stunning, enlightening and powerful multi-media presentation based on the poem-stories. which has been presented to more than 3,000 individuals in several states. More information at: www.inspiringauthor.org or at Facebook: In Their Boots: Poems Inspired by Soldiers and Their Loved Ones. "In Their Boots: Poems Inspired by Soldiers and Their Loved Ones" is a captivating and profound collection that transcends war and opens a window into the warrior and his and her loved ones. Never before have I experienced poetry so powerful, so poignant as this. This is a masterpiece." - Lillie Lovette, literary evaluator, Mississippi Humanities Council. LaFrancis believes in "giving back," thus has committed to give portions of his proceeds to the non-profit Fisher House Foundation - www.fisherehouse.org He has been the cornerstone of veterans programs in his home community of Natchez, Mississippi, spearheading a drive to restore the damaged Veterans Memorial, coordinating the community's Veterans Day Program and American Flag Retirement Ceremony. He has led collection drives for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and at the Veterans Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. His efforts have earned him a Certificate of Achievement from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He credits his passion for soldiers and veterans to his father George, who fought in World War II, and his grandfather Maximilian, who fought in World War I. Both were proud patriots who inspired LaFrancis the need to honor those who fought to protect our nation's freedoms.