Centerpieces of paper-constructs of military service vehicles decorated banquet tables. Video montages highlighted incarcerated veterans. An empty table represented veterans who lost their lives while incarcerated.
A week before Memorial Day, for the first time in almost five years, an Armed Services banquet took place at San Quentin’s Garden Chapel.
“This is a unique fellowship. We are quiet, yet we are loud. We are humble, yet we are proud. Call to serve is embedded in us and still alive today,” resident emcee and Veterans’ Group of San Quentin chair Noah Winchester said.
VGSQ hosted the event for nearly 200 residents, administration, and outside guests. According to Winchester, the five-hour event mirrored a military ball.
Ron Self, a former resident and founder of Veterans Healing Veterans, praised the incarcerated veterans and said he honored their sacrifices. Since his release after 23 years of incarceration, Self has sponsored the VGSQ, which he said began with a legislative mandate in 1997.
He said he could relate to the feelings of shame associated with coming to prison as a veteran.
“I am here trying to unite all groups of veterans; that applies to race, color, and creed. There shouldn’t be a divide. A veteran is a veteran,” Self said.
Incarcerated Army veteran Rob Lambuth said he had looked forward to the gathering because of the camaraderie and support. “I appreciate the ability to rehabilitate in a safe space.”
VGSQ detail members escorted the dignitaries to their table: Ron Self, sponsor Tina Rutsch, Veterans Healing Veterans sponsor Roberta Deli, Assistant to CRM Angelina Torres, CRM Marco Barrigan, and education office technician Cannon.
VGSQ presented Self and Rutsch with shadow boxes made by a resident. The boxes included a VGSQ hat, a coined dog tag stamped with San Quentin insignia, and a group photo of VGSQ members. Other gifts included flags flown at Arlington National Cemetery and wooden wall art with images of service members.
Guest of honor Mary Donovan, an advocate for veterans’ benefits, said incarcerated veterans have a long history, and each incarcerated veteran carried a piece of that history. “When you share with the outside world your experiences, it helps others,” she said, adding that she felt privileged to play a part in that history.
“I think that we hold veterans to a high stature in society,” Donovan said. “Theoretically, we afford the incarcerated a low standard and there’s a cognitive dissonance. It’s an honor and I feel very fortunate to be able to do this part. So many people astonish me and inspire me, and it’s an honor to be able to help. I feel lucky.”
Warden Chance Andes told the veterans he admired them for their service. He said of all the things he has done in life, he never did have the opportunity to serve. “Thank you for your service and all you do.”
VGSQ members received certificates and engraved coins similar to the traditional dog tags they wore during their service.
“The challenge coin, cover, and certificate I received felt awesome,” said resident Marine Randy Sherman. “This is probably the most touching thing that I’ve been to since the Marines.”
Resident veteran Jack Flaherty said VGSQ membership has grown much since restarting in 2023, after Covid. He said word of mouth and new hats spurred a lot of interest among the resident veterans.
Veterans showcased their talents in a variety of performances from the VGSQ choir ensemble to violinist John Zeretky and the Greater Good, and a boot camp song performance by Michael Hartley. Lee Jaspar played lead guitar for the R&B band NSF.
Non-veteran residents stepped up to entertain, acknowledging the veterans in attendance. The artistic ensemble performed a reenactment of a color guard presentation of the flag. Matt Sheppard and Jay Kim presented comedy skits and Samuel Jackson gave a spoken word performance. Outside guest Essence Goldman played guitar and sang.
Attendees said they found the event entertaining and praised the performances. “I believe this banquet may take the cake as one of the finest ones that this prison has seen. This is a real cut above the ordinary ones and sets a high standard,” resident Ray Melberg said.
The Marine Corps ceremonial cutting of the cake took place after the color guard marched the cake to a table with a VGSQ detail. Winchester said the cake represented the annual renewal for service members for honor, courage, and commitment in the quest for peace worldwide. The first slice went symbolically to VGSQ veterans; the next slices went to the guests, then to the eldest and youngest veterans.
Before the event ended, Winchester called attention to a small empty table at the side of the room. He said the table symbolized the frailty of incarcerated individuals as it represented the service members who lost their lives while incarcerated. The table sat next to another empty table that honored prisoners of war. “We call them brothers in arms,” Winchester said.
Resident Air Force veteran Mark Stanley said the event made him feel purposeful and worthy. He said the best advice he could provide for his fellow brothers in arms concerned the importance of forgiving oneself. “With guilt comes a dark energy,” he said. “Start really forgiving yourself. I feel good about myself now. I feel that I belong again and that my service was not in vain.”
“This was my first time involved in a military ball,” resident VGSQ PIO Steve Drown said. “To have this many people in the room has been rewarding. It is great to see all branches come together as a unit.”
