Cornell Sterling Gallagher was born on January 22, 1956, in Coffeyville, Kansas. After graduating from high school, he pursued a college degree at Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama, and Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he finally received a double degree in Religious Studies and Behavioral Sciences. Shortly after graduating from college and working at the Nebraska State Penitentiary for about one year as a unit liaison, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served honorably for six years of active duty. He is now a retired disabled veteran after working 15 years at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. He has always loved reading and writing, especially poetry. His hope right now, through the publication of his first book of poetry, is that others may be inspired as they may identify with the messages in the book.