I have not researched my ancestors. I have a cousin who is really into it. I have forwarded your question to him and I'll get back to you.
I do know I am related to Watkins from Missouri and Tennessee for sure. And I have have relatives from Hackleburg, but they are Bakers and Fredericks.
I did research the "Watkins" in Alabama with the free search tool available at Investigations123.com homepage, and I found 67 records in your state. Hope it helps.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.