Verrett, Robert: - Born in Morgan City, Louisiana, Author/Illustrator Michael Verrett grew up near sugar cane fields and the unhurried Bayou Teche.He has created or contributed to over 100 published books to include children picture books, short stories, chapter books, novels, and photo books from his trips around the US and Europe. He lives in Denham Springs, LA with wife Melissa Garbarino Verrett, their two dogs, Romeo, and Jack-Jack, and a cat who wishes to remain anonymous. They are members of Christ Community Church. His love for art was evident when at age four he illustrated his bedroom walls with crayons. A former homicide detective and regional and FBI sketch artist, he constructed over 150 suspect sketches. Michael retired after 25 years in law enforcement. His success in investigations resulted in many award and he would guest lectured and teach homicide investigation at local universities, police academies and on behalf of the U S Attorney's Office.Concurrently he served over 30 years in the army on active duty and the reserves. Retiring from the police department he obtained the rank of Lt. Colonel in the reserves and was called to active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom where he deployed to Kuwait with an office in the Pentagon. Overseas he traveled between Africa and across several Middle Eastern countries. His comic strip, Army Life, appeared in the Desert Voice magazine and he was featured in Star & Stripes.While investigating problems in the logistical system he is credited with recovering over $100M of equipment and treasures from from Saddam Hussein's palaces. He received numerous awards and as well the Bronze Star He retired as an Instructor with the Army's Command & General Staff College.He arrived home after Hurricane Katrina and months later was hired by the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to fix problems associated with the storm. There he established the state's Emergency Logistical Response delivering millions of meals and bottles of water in ensuing disasters. He became a nationwide spoke person on emergency response for FEMA and was sent by the governor to New York to assist in the recovery from Hurricane Sandy. There worked out of Cadman Plaza whilestaying in Brooklyn. After 20 years he retired.He studied creative writing at Louisiana State University and is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature. He studied art at LSU, the Scottsdale Art Institute, and the FBI Academy. As a substitute he taught gifted art in the West Baton Rouge Parish public schools.His cartoon strip, Army Life, appeared in the army magazine, The Desert Voice and was he was featured in Stars and Stripes. He is an active volunteer in schools and libraries and the recipient of Volunteer of the Year for East Baton Rouge Schools.He is the past president of Livingston Parish Arts Council, past president of the parish's Spotlight Theater, a musician and vocal performer he is a former member of the LSU Operetta, and a member of numerous regional writers groups.
