San Quentin News

Written By Incarcerated - Advancing Social Justice

Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin

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Life After Prison for Veterans

The Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin is gearing up to implement a new program designed to prepare incarcerated veterans for life after prison.

The San Quentin Unit Aptitude Development program or SQUAD for short will consist of weekly workshops in the areas of Substance Abuse & Addiction, Emotional Health & Wellness, Parole Planning & Preparation, and Health & Physical Fitness.

The veterans SQUAD mission is: “To empower members with the resources and life skills necessary to address the causative factors that led to their crimes and prepare them for successful reintegration back into society.”

Once group members have completed all four 12-week workshops, they become eligible to take part in mentorship training where they will learn to develop new life skills workshops and incorporate them into the SQUAD program.

From there, the VVGSQ hopes to open the program to all veterans, regardless of discharge status or group membership. The plan is to pass on the knowledge and insight the group has acquired to other members of the San Quentin community.

For the past 25 years, the VVGSQ has been a vital part of several charitable events inside and outside the prison. These include the Holiday Toy Program, Run to the Pen, Operation MOMS, and the annual Veterans Scholarship Award.

The group will continue to take part in these worthwhile endeavors full-force, but with the changing face of the prison and parole system, they want to provide its members with an internal network of support to help them get out and stay out of prison.

With the opening of West Block and Donner section, the VVGSQ has become the largest ILTAG group at San Quentin. As chairman, I feel an increasing responsibility to try and find ways to make sure the men of the VVGSQ are trained and ready for the streets.

A Call to Arms

An essential part of the SQUAD program will consist of enlisting the support of professionals and volunteers from outside veterans’ organizations willing to share their knowledge and expertise in the four rehabilitative components.

Anyone willing to help sponsor the veterans SQUAD program can contact the chief sponsor, Lt. Rudy Luna, at San Quentin State Prison – 1 Main Street – San Quentin, CA – 94964, (415) 454-1460 ext. 5808.

Days of Peace Promoted by Action

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On May 11, San Quentin is scheduled to hold its third Day of Peace – a day dedicated to promoting peace throughout the prison.
During the event, inmates and guests from outside of the prison gather on the Lower Yard for the day’s activities. Committee members have been in the planning stages for this year’s event for months as they work out the logistics for bringing the day to life.

History

San Quentin’s first Day of Peace was held in 2006. After several subsequent attempts failed, the event returned in 2012 with great success. Men filled the yard, wearing white to symbolize their commitment to peace.
“Our goal is to stem the tide of violence saturating our prisons and society,” said Richard Poma, chairman of the Day of Peace committee, which organizes the event.
Last year’s event began with prayers for peace from various religious groups, and several community leaders gave motivational talks about the importance of peace in our society. The day featured refreshments and live music from Rupa & the April Fishes. Supporters of the Day of Peace sponsored the entire event.
Inmates and free staff alike can still be seen wearing souvenir wristbands from last year’s event, showing that the positive energy created continues to flow throughout the year. “It was a lovely day,” said prisoner Jarone “J.B.” Bartee, “I actually felt a sense of peace inside prison walls.”

Hope

Prison administrators hope this year’s event will carry on the tradition of spreading peace throughout the San Quentin community. Invitations have been sent to musical artists like Carlos Santana, Michael Franti and East Coast sensations Coalition Hip-Hop.
“The fellas and I would love the opportunity to travel west to San Quentin and spread our positive message of overcoming adversity through the power of dynamic and creative style,” said Coalition Hip-Hop Manager Jason Fink.

Participation

Organizers are also seeking guest speakers from the outside community and sending invitations to mayors from the surrounding area.
The Day of Peace committee encourages everyone attending to wear their freshest white T-shirt.
To make a monetary contribution to the Day of Peace, contact Kara Urion or Jody Lewen at the Prison University Project: (415) 455-8088 ext. 1 or go to info@prisonuniversityproject.org.
Donations may be sent to: Prison University Project, Note: For Day of Peace, P.O. Box 492, San Quentin, CA 94964.

Military Families

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Gloria Godchaux of Operation: MOM was interviewed by the chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin to find out what prisoners can do to support American troops overseas.
How did Operation: MOM come about?
Operation: MOM began in 2001 when Dotty Selmeczki and I began to look for an active military parent support group. It was imperative for me, because immediately after 9/11, my son, who is a U.S. Marine, was deployed to an unknown destination called “Somewhere.” At the time, Dotty and I didn’t realize that thousands of other parents out there also needed a safe place where they could share their worries for their loved ones serving in the military. Since then, Operation: MOM has branched out across various communities establishing support groups wherever they are needed.
What challenges have you faced?
I would say the most challenging and heart-wrenching form of care that we’ve had the privilege of giving is standing beside those families who have lost their serviceperson while they gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives serving our country.
How did Operation: MOM get connected with VVGSQ?
When Operation: MOM began its grassroots efforts, we had to decide what other, if any, types of organizations we would align ourselves with. In 2003, we met the VVGSQ, which have been instrumental for nearly 10 years in supporting Operation: MOM by providing funds to help active duty military families and being an integral part of sending “A Little Touch of Home” care packages to our troops around the world.
What’s next for Operation: MOM and the VVGSQ?
In 2013, Operation: MOM and the VVGSQ will be supporting an Air Force unit whose mission is to drop off supplies to Army and Marine ground forces. They have asked for specific items, such as green socks and Desert Sand military T-shirts, which were already purchased with donated funds from the VVGSQ.
How can men other than San Quentin veterans get involved with Operation: MOM?
We fill “A Little Touch of Home” care packages with things like snacks, powdered beverages, washcloths, fingernail clippers, and other hygiene items, so if they wanted to donate those types of items, it would be greatly appreciated. Postage for all the boxes gets pretty costly as well, so stamps are well received too.
Note: San Quentin staff and prisoners wanting to help Operation: MOM support the nation’s troops can collect snack items, hygiene items, and postage now. Signs will be posted later in housing units directing where to leave donations.
Persons in the community can donate by contacting the VVGSQ’s chief sponsor, Lt. K. Evans, at San Quentin State Prison. (415) 454-1460 ext. 5205.

Veterans Battle it Out on the Softball Field

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On a crisp and clear November morning, the Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin held its inaugural Camaraderie Softball game.
Armed with bat, gloves, and the indomitable spirit of competition, group members and one honorary draftee stormed San Quentin’s Field of Dreams ready for action. In keeping with a Civil War theme, Ernie Vick was selected as general of the blue team, the Damn Yankees. Kenneth Goodlow was appointed commander of the gray’s Johnny Rebels. Once the teams were selected, the stage was set for a historic softball Civil War.
As the game got under way, Gary Harrell was drafted to serve as the all-time pitcher. When asked about his participation, he replied “Usually, I’m a man of peace, but these feisty veterans really got me fired up. It’s an honor and a privilege to take part in this friendly battle alongside men who have served our country.”
The Rebels took an early one-run lead with hits by Darryl Farris, Johnny Gomez, and the fleet-footed Harry Barton. The Yankees rallied back as Larry Faison, Greg Sanders, and Jim Snider launched bombs of their own into the outfield, taking the lead 4 to 1.
In the second inning, both teams got dirty in the trenches and really gave it their all. The Rebels scored another run, but once again the Yankees rallied with three of their own.

‘No guts, no glory’

With the bases loaded and two outs, General Vick headed to the plate with bat in hand. He recalled thinking, “No guts…no glory. I can end this now.” With his head held high, he walked back to the dugout thinking, “Strikeouts, like war, are hell.”
Going into the final inning, the Rebels were down 7 to 2. The comeback charge was mounted with a valiant insurgence of offense from Jesse Hernandez and David Tarvan. Yankee shortstop John Johnston dug in with two spectacular plays to first baseman Garvin “JoJo” Robinson. The Rebels managed to score two additional runs, but in the end it wasn’t enough. Our nation’s history has repeated itself and The Damn Yankees once again seized the day with a 7-4 victory.
After the game, the two teams circled up and each expressed their appreciation for the sportsmanship and camaraderie that was displayed. General Goodlow summed up the day by saying, “We may have lost, but getting out here with my brothers was a really nice and genuine experience. Once I get over this soreness, I’ll be ready for a rematch. So, look out!”
The VVGSQ is issuing a challenge to all outside veterans groups who would be interested in playing the San Quentin squad on the notorious Field of Dreams. To accept the challenge, contact Chief Sponsor Lt. K. Evans at San Quentin, (415) 454-1460 ext. 5205.

Christmas Toy Program Returns

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The Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin is gearing up to bring a touch of Christmas to San Quentin with their 24th annual Toy Program.
Members of the VVGSQ will once again show off their elf ears as they join forces with members of the inside S.Q. community to deck the halls of the mainline and H-unit visiting rooms with Christmas trees, tinsel, and festive yuletide decorations.
The VVGSQ has already begun to prepare to receive donations of toys and stuffed animals from outside organizations like Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army. These toys will then be passed out to inmates’ children from infant to age 14, who come to visit Dec. 15, 16, 22 and 23.
Toy program co-squad leader Barry Spillman said, “I do it because it’s my way of giving back to the community…of being part of Christmas again.”
 

“There’s no better feeling than to

see genuine happiness on children’s faces”

 
George Caffale, another cosquad leader and long-standing member of the group, commented, “During my time in the military, from ‘76 to ‘84, I was deployed out of country and know what it feels like to be away from home and miss the holidays. There’s no better feeling than to see genuine happiness on children’s faces as they visit with their fathers for Christmas and go home with a bag full of toys.”
Inmates and ILTAG organizations can donate by filling out Trust Withdrawals made payable to VVGSQ ILTAG account SQP # 634, and send them directly to the Trust Account Office. Outside donors of toys, stuffed animals, or monetary contributions, can contact Lt. K. Evans at San Quentin State Prison. (415) 454- 1460 ext. 5205.
 

Camaraderie Night A Big Hit for Vets

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On September 8, the Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin held their first Camaraderie Night in over a year and the largest in the group’s history. With the opening of West Block and Donner section, the group has doubled in size to nearly 50 members within the past year.
This monthly night-out was originally designed to build camaraderie within the group by creating a space where veterans could get together and watch military-related movies, share some popcorn, and, said Chairman Chris Schuhmacher, “be reminded that before we were ever prisoners, we were dedicated and courageous members of the United States Armed Forces.”
On this particular evening, they watched the movie ‘Taking Chance’ with Kevin Bacon about a Marine Officer who volunteers to escort the body of a fallen soldier, PFC Chance, back from the war zone to his family stateside. When VVGSQ member Marvin Harris was asked what he thought of the experience, he replied “It was beautiful and heart-felt…I didn’t feel like I was in prison, but back in the barracks with the fellas.”
This was the VVGSQ’s first camaraderie night in over a year and special thanks goes out to Michelle Rochelle for helping to make this event possible. For many of the members this was their first Camaraderie Night since joining.
“As a first time participant, my sense of connection and unity was met through the members who attended,” said VVGSQ member and Fundraiser Squad Leader Jesse Hernandez. “I look forward to future events which will bring our group closer together.”
Camaraderie Squad Leaders John Warren and Harry Barton are working hard to make this night a monthly event once again and also have plans for a camaraderie-building VVGSQ softball game in the month of October.
The VVGSQ is working towards expanding their VHS/DVD library. If you or someone you know, would like to donate new or used military-related movies to the group, please contact our Chief Sponsor Lt. Evans or Lt. Luna at San Quentin State Prison.
–Paul Stauffer contributed to this article.

My New Year’s Resolution

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With the dawning of a New Year I will embrace each day, fresh and clean, with no mistakes in it.  I will continue striving to learn, to grow to become a better man than I was the day before.  I will use the power of my voice and actions to spread messages of hope and encouragement.  I will be brave enough to admit whenI am wrong; when I fall I will rise up and persevere in the face of adversity.  I will not allow my past of current circumstance determine my state of mind. I will never forget how to dream, nor will I be deterred from the destiny that awaits me.  I will seek out and seize upon opportunities to live and to love, as a brother, a friend, as a contributing member of my community.  I may be out of sight, but I refuse to be out of mind.  I will shine like a ray of light in an effort to transform the darkness that surrounds us into a place where healing and restoration can begin.  Will you join me?
 

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