Michael Skeen
When I graduated from McCluer High School in Florissant Missouri, I entered the U. S. Air Force and began a lifetime of service to others. I also had a much different perspective in how I viewed the government both nationally and locally. I served in the Air Force for four years providing missile security in the Strategic Air Command and perimeter security in Vietnam at both Tuy Hoa Air Base and Cam Ranh Bay Air Base. I entered the Air Force believing that the government and the news media only reported the truth to all of us and that those in political office do what they think is best for the people they represent and the country. How naïve I was at that point of my life.
When I left the Air Force I went to work for a municipal police department in St. Louis County. I attended the Greater St. Louis Police Academy and learned the proper way to be a police officer. I was taught that besides knowledge of law and skill in defending myself and others, it was important to administer justice using compassion, integrity and truth. The problem I had at this point was I was told when I returned to my department that I should forget all of that and simply do as I was told. I witnessed a lack of integrity, compassion and truth, but when I tried to change these I was told to get with the program or leave. So I did.
I nearly left police work all together but I went to another municipal department in hope of finding that the first department was not the norm. I was correct. I found outstanding people of integrity and compassion at the second department and eventually moved to the O’Fallon Mo. Police Department. I spent 28 years serving the citizens of O’Fallon and found myself surrounded by talented people who were honest, hard-working, and compassionate in the way they did their jobs.
During those 32 years in law enforcement I also became very aware of the politicians that rule our government at every level. I experienced a few at every level that put the people they represent first in their decisions. In my opinion however, I found that most politicians are only interested in securing their positions and advancing their careers. This becomes more prominent at the state and national levels of government.
When I retired from law enforcement I moved to the Gulf Coast for 12 years before moving back to be closer to the grandkids. I have noticed during my retirement years that there has been a decline in respect and an increase in arrogance and selfishness by politicians in both political parties. The novels I have written are stories about what could happen if we don’t change and begin to pay attention to what is truly important. We can not continue to rely on our own power and position because there will always be someone a little better. We must learn to rely on prayer and the power of God to guide us to peace with one another.
I hope you enjoy reading; The Cost of Freedom, The Cost of Liberty, and The Cost of Justice, as much as I enjoyed writing them.
