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My Biography – details
William Elliot was born on September 23 1951, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his childhood he was interested in baseball. He was also interested in science. He won first prize in a science fair for building a Geiger counter. He had a paper route as his first job. He was in Junior High School when desegregation took place. He remembers playing baseball in his neighborhood with both African American and Caucasian children.
In 1966 William and his family moved to Hot Springs, South Dakota. His family consisted of his mom, dad, three sisters and one brother. He completed his High School education in Hot Springs. During high school he was athletic and was involved in track and field. He graduated from high school in 1969. After high school William took two years of college at Northern State College. Then in 1972 he joined the Air Force. He was primarily stationed at Altus Air Force Base in Altus, Oklahoma and Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1975.
William completed his BS degree in Environmental Science in 1977. During college he met Nancy Rempfer whom he married in June of 1976. He later completed a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota in December of 1984. His work experience includes: being a
health inspector for the state of South Dakota; a business manager for the Cheyenne River Community College in Eagle Butte South Dakota; a business and computer instructor at Little Hoop Community College in Ft. Totten, North Dakota; taught small business management at National American University in Rapid City, South Dakota; then took a position at Oglala Lakota College teaching Computer science and business, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He retired from teaching in 2008. He is currently a night auditor in Hot Springs, SD.
William became interested in poetry while experiencing health issues and found it to be therapeutic. After retirement he took his poetry to the next level. He recently took two first place and one second place awards at the Veterans Creative Arts Festival in the Black Hills Regions. His insight of his surroundings is both humorous and inspiring.
Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
A collection of humorous, poignant and spiritual poems by William T. Elliott comprises the book, A War of Love. In the introduction, Mr. Elliott explains he wrote these poems over a span of thirty years. Many of the poems describe nature, whether the topic is birds, squirrels or a rainy day. Other poems are derived from life experiences and would be most relatable to the older generation. For example, the author relates a time when his boyhood behavior was a result of the Little Rascals’ television program. Also, one of his most poignant pieces, entitled Johnny, describes his friendship with a black schoolmate during the time of segregation/desegregation. Another meaningful poem is one dedicated to his father, who experienced trauma during World War II. Later, the poet shares that he too is a veteran.
A War of Love: Poems by William T. Elliott is a book of whimsical, as well as touching, poetry. While the author certainly loves and honors his wife, he also shares their little annoyances, from microwave popcorn to computer card games – an accurate description of the retirement years, it seems. Also, he includes photographs from their home in Hot Springs in the western part of South Dakota, as well as photographs of local sights such as Mount Rushmore. Mr. Elliott has given voice to the experiences of his generation through his poetry. He depicts times of childhood through to current times of aging. He makes references to not having much hair left and that he will see his father again soon. His work is thought provoking indeed.
