Sgt. Shaft's wry sense of humor, empathy for the underdog, and strong love of country and fellow veterans closely mirror the nature of its creator.

The weekly advice column resided in the Stars & Stripes from 1982 to 1985, and laid dormant until its rebirth in the Washington Times in 1991. The column, Fales is proud to say, gives an outlet for the concerns of active military, veterans, and their families in a national newspaper.

In addition to writing the column, John Fales is President of the Blinded American Veterans Foundation.

Fales was born in New York City and served in the U.S. Marine Corps until his retirement on disability. His decorations include Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, New York State Conspicuous Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, and South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Mr. Fales received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint John's University, New York and Master of Science degree in Education from Hofstra University, New York. Among the numerous awards Mr. Fales has received are: The President's Medal for Distinguished Service from the Freedom's Foundation; Outstanding Handicapped Federal Employee; Blinded Veterans Association's "Irving Diener Award"; United States President's Community Service Commendation; Chairman's Commendation from the Presidents Committee on Employment of the Handicapped; honored by the Vietnam Veterans Civics Counsels as one of Washington D.C.'s Outstanding Vietnam Veterans.