If you have never met Dan, you have missed a “real-deal” Meridian artist, with a humble spirit. Allow me to tell you a little about him.

I first met Dan seven or eight years ago when he enrolled for my creative writing class at Meridian Community College. First impressions resonate with me.

I seem to quickly grasp a person’s integrity, sincerity and yes, in this case, talent. During that first night class I knew Dan had a writing mission which he would carry through and in a mighty way.

I was right.

His first book “The Stan” was published in 2016. I termed this work his “first book” because I am positive Dan has more books inside him to come. Dan’s prose flowed smoothly between the character’s family conversations and as well their talks with their Lord, each were important in their lives. However, it was the below exchanges with the story’s nine-year-old daughter that will bring the reader to tears.

You will come back, Daddy, won’t you? … You will come back alive?

Dale and his wife, Karen had gently told their daughter, Charlotte, that he would be going to Afghanistan. They wisely explained: This is the schedule the Army has for us. We have to go on time so other men can come home to their little girls. It’s our turn.

Then, to make the story even stronger was the fact Dale’s son, Josh, accompanied his dad into combat. They are in the same guard unit. How does a father take his son to war? What words will comfort? Dale relied on those words prayed to God and prayed often.

Dale, the military soldier and main character, added the below to the book’s introduction:

Many of our friends lost marriages during or after our deployments. Others lost jobs, other relationships, and some even lost their entire social structure.

Our family has dealt with three conflicts over many decades. Each was different. Just as we approach each one with a varied perspective and purpose, each has a different effect on us. Our third deployment completed a set of experiences to create within me depression and Post-Traumatic Stress. Mental and physical limitations prevent my being who I was, doing what I did, or understanding what to do next.

We hope our story will lead readers to understand themselves better, to support and love each other. I am not who I was. God, counselors, and family help me learn how to live again, to become someone new.

Dale’s wife Karen added to the book’s introduction:

Dale and I want to stay close to God and continue praying for His direction. Please pray we will keep our newfound intensity and desire to seek Him in every area and not to fall back into a routine or mundane life. We would be most grateful. We pray the same for you.

“The Stan” is a family’s testament to the sacrifices many young families have made when going to war. From our nation’s Revolutionary War to the recent wars in the Middle East, soldiers have suffered in many ways that are not always known to others and their families have been torn apart in order to keep our nation intact and free.

And after the soldier returns, if he or she has survived the conflict, there are many battles to fight on the home front: depression, mental and physical injuries, plus pulling the family back together as a loving and supportive team.

Dan’s words paint a picture that many have never even contemplated – the heartaches of the soldier and their families during combat and post-war as well.

Take time to thank a soldier today.

Now, I know each of you would like to meet the author. Here’s your opportunity:

What: Dan Talley Book Signing

Where: Meridian Little Theatre

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Sponsored by the Rose Hill Company

Anne McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller. She is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau and Mississippi Arts Commission’s Artist Roster. See her website: www.annemckeestoryteller.com