From the skies of Washington state to the poetic verses that capture the essence of human struggle and triumph, Del "Abe" Jones, also known as Ronald E. Shultz, has embodied a life of service and creation. As a veteran who served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1958-1961, Jones has taken the discipline and dedication learned in the K-9 Corps and channeled it into a prolific career in writing and the arts.
In Spokane, Washington, Jones is not only recognized for his military service but also revered as a family man, raising four children and delighting eight grandchildren with his stories and poems. His enduring legacy, however, lies in his written word—a craft he tirelessly continues to explore and develop.
Jones' collaboration with photographer Dominic Alessandra showcases a synergy between poetry and visual art. Their forthcoming book promises to be a poignant exploration of indigenous cultures from around the globe, offering insights through the mediums of verse and imagery.
Self-publishing is a formidable task, yet Jones has successfully brought three of his poetry collections into the hands of eager readers. His works have not only graced the pages of various media outlets but have also found a permanent home etched into the Ellis County Veteran's Memorial in Texas, honoring the brave souls who have served.
In Orlando, the power of Jones' words resonated through the crowd as he recited "The Wall" at the Vietnam Veterans Monument dedication, a true testament to his dedication to those who have served. Beyond mere recitations, he offers his book "THE WORLD, WAR, FREEDOM, AND MORE" without charge, in a gesture of generosity and remembrance.
His generosity extends beyond the literary world, with all profits from his works being donated to support the families of those who served in the Tennessee National Guard during Desert Storm. This philanthropy underscores his deep commitment to veteran communities and their loved ones.
Jones eloquently asserts that mankind's greatest achievement is not found in technological advancements, but rather in the evolution of our creative capacities. His diverse range of poetic works, some of which delve into the events of 9/11 and the various days that honor our military forces, reflect this belief deeply.
In his index of writings, we find a plethora of themes from the tragedy of war and the remembrance of historical moments to the personal stories of the soldiers who serve. Each poem is a thread in the larger fabric of our collective memory, woven with the utmost reverence for the past and present.
For his poetic contributions, Jones has been honored with the IWVPA Bronze Helmet Top Poet Award of Excellence, a recognition that speaks volumes about his impact on the world of poetry and veterans' advocacy. As he continues his creative pursuits, his works remain a steadfast reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the power of the pen to capture and honor them.
As the world evolves, so does the art that reflects it, and Ronald E. Shultz, known to many as Del "Abe" Jones, continues to contribute to this evolution with his unwavering dedication to poetry, storytelling, and the remembrance of those who serve.
