The Veterans Group of San Quentin hosted its annual Armed Services Banquet at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s Garden Chapel May 30. More than 130 residents, administrators, and outside guests attended the event.
Centerpieces made of paper-constructs of military service vehicles decorated banquet tables. Video montages highlighted incarcerated veterans working together to provide services and give back to the community.
“On Armed Forces Day we pause to honor all branches,” VGSQ sponsor Tina R. said. “Everyday our service members are fighting valiantly to safeguard our liberty, our borders, and disaster relief operations.”
VGSQ Chair Noah Winchester, 40, presented a plaque to Tina R. Plaques also went to Coach Bhatt, Dining Hall Manager Warren Clark, CRM M. Barrigan, Warden Chance Andes, and Officer R. Goss for their continued support of the veterans’ community. Artist Scott McKinstry, a resident, handcrafted the plaques.
A 15-minute video showed VGSQ members embracing camaraderie in the finance, joint gaming, and events planning committees the group had formed last year. Additionally, it showed the impact the committees had on the community. Several veterans said the committee work provided purpose and a sense of pride.
The video also showed the group working on its newsletter and performing volunteer service at the Toyland and Food Pantry events. It highlighted the organization’s core values as veterans worked with one another’s strengths and weaknesses.
“Other places I have been, there was little camaraderie. Here I feel there is strength in community. Instead of complaining about prison, these VGSQ members talk about making things better,” VGSQ Vice Chair Trevor Shaw, 56, said.
“If you need something we are here to help each other,” veteran Harvey Brooks, 72, said.
Events planning committee member Steven Joyner, 56, said planning the annual banquet turned out to be a learning experience. “I appreciated hearing how we represented [ourselves] and many guests said it was organized.” He added that the success of the event took the participation of every group member.
Veterans Affairs employee Tim Healy said that when he faced a life sentence, the VA provided opportunities and support. As he spoke about everything the VGSQ has done for the community, he conveyed a sense of pride and connection.
“I was a three-striker, but there are opportunities for convicts that people don’t realize. I never thought I would work for the government,” Healy said.
Veterans showcased their talents in a variety of performances, from the VGSQ choir ensemble singing the VGSQ anthem, written by residents, to Michael Hartley, 52, strumming “America the Beautiful” on the ukulele. Regal Robinson, 64, performed in spoken word, and Ray Torres, 72, sang “Ruby,” a Cuban song. Resident Mark Kinney, 63, performed “Semper Fi” on the piano.
“It is remarkable to have camaraderie like this,” VGSQ chaplain resident John Krueger, 72, said. “Events like this are a good time to have fellowship with a group of likeminded men and for everyone to sit down and enjoy a special meal together.”
Outside guest Col. (ret.) Willis Rice, USAF, said the veteran residents have each other for support. “We know men who used to be here and are now living productive lives. They are outside paying back gifts they had been given because of groups like this.”
Guest of honor and keynote speaker Officer R. Goss stressed the importance of the history of the armed forces and service members from World War I to 9/11. He said seeing fewer and fewer people at veterans’ memorial events and recognitions saddened him.
“I am only one person but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something,” Goss read as he encouraged everyone to educate younger generations.
The Marine Corps ceremonial cutting of the cake took place after the Color Guard marched the cake to a table with a VGSQ detail. The cake represented the annual renewal for service members for honor, courage, and commitment in the quest for worldwide peace.
Before the event ended, resident Patrick Poteat, 36, called attention to a small empty table at the side of the room. He said the table symbolized the frailty of residents as it represented the service members who lost their lives while incarcerated. Another empty table honored prisoners of war/ missing in action. “We call them Brothers in Arms,” Poteat said.
“If you want to be around a band of brothers who will help you out and encourage you to do positive things, this is the group to be in,” resident Ted Amparan, 51, said.