NEW YORK (AP)—When Ron Isley talks about the three years he spent in prison for tax evasion, there’s no bitterness or anger in his voice: At times, there almost seems to be a bit of nostalgia.

“I made a lot of friends. I was treated like a king. I had all of the respect that one would want. And it’s a part of that that I miss—when I say I miss, I miss the people that I met,” said the 69-year-old with the golden tenor.

BACK ON TRACK—In this Oct. 19 photo, recording artist Ron Isley poses for a portrait in New York. (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)

“When I first went in there, there were 300 people there and those 300 people were behind me 100 percent, and when I say 100 percent, I really mean that,” he added. “‘What can we get for you? Do you need this, do you need that?’ ...24 hours a day, and that’s a blessing.”

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Ron Henry is proud to be an American. He has always wanted to find a way to bring cohesiveness between soldiers and civilian Americans.

Now, as one of members of 4 Troops, a group of singing former Iraqi and Afghan­istan veterans, Henry is able to do just that.

4 TROOPS—Sergeant Ron Henry, back center.

“We want this music to heal and encourage people. We have to continue to heal America,” said Henry, 42.

4 Troops released its self-titled debut last May to critical acclaim. The album struck a chord with audiences and quickly made 4 Troops a household name.

(NNPA)—Dear Gwendolyn:

I am 60 years old and this is what I have observed: When shopping I am surprised how the young people (especially men) don’t hold doors or say ‘thank you’ or anything. What has happened to the world? In my growing up years, children were taught respect—especially to the elderly. How can we get the respect back? I’m concerned.—Annie

When the kids were little, they loved hearing your stories.

You lost count of the times they asked you about your brother, who pushed you down a hill on a broken wagon and skinned your nose. They laughed every time you imitated your mother tossing pie crust in the air. Even neighborhood kids begged to hear about when Grandpa fell off the pony.

All your life, you’ve been telling stories. Now that the kids are older, maybe it’s time to use that pent-up creativity by becoming a real author. Start by reading “Writing Great Books for Young Adults” by Regina Brooks.