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.
