An intimate first person non-fiction storytelling experience about incarceration in the United States.
Sometime during Operation Desert Storm, when one of my brothers was home on leave from Iraq, he’d said to me that the soldiers were always looking for ways to stay alert and to stay awake on long shifts. I asked him, “What do you guys do to stay awake?” To which he replied, “Energy drinks and coffee.” Wow. You’d think that the military would have a better solution to something like that, kinda like MREs in a pinch. I guess there’s no substitute for good old fashioned caffeine.
This week new guest writer L.R. posted an essay titled PTSD & Justice. L.R. served a long military career and now helps other vets as he pulls his sentence in an Ohio prison. Throughout my lifetime behind bars, I’ve witnessed first hand the struggles of veterans with PTSD. His essay highlights an issue few people know about, but is important to every incarcerated vet. If you’re a vet or know someone who is you’ll want to read PTSD & Justice. L.R. is currently writing part 2 to PTSD & Justice, and as soon as he’s ready I’ll share his thoughts with you.
Continue reading “#40: Video Fridays in 60 Seconds — ‘Coffee Bombs,’ PTSD & Justice”
At my institution there is an entire dorm dedicated to housing veterans. While every bed in the unit isn’t filled only with veterans, every bed is made available should they be needed. It’s an excellent idea. The men in the vet program are deserving of our respect, help, consideration, and should be afforded special priviledges when possible while incarcerated here. They’re heroes.
On Monday 24 August 2020, I’m posting the work of a new guest writer. He writes under the initials L.R., and is a retired Coloniel incarcerated in an Ohio correctional institution. He lives in the prison’s veterans housing unit where the other inmates are also vets. These housing units provide specialized needs unique to vets and play a significant role in their rehabilitation. His essay is titled “PTSD and Justice” and presents an argument toward an important veteran’s issue. I’m honored to publish his work.
Today’s guest essay touches on the subject of programs and one’s security level. Here in Ohio I am a level 1, the lowest security designation I can possibly achieve. This is also known as “minimum” security. Unlike today’s guest author, it took me 19 years to earn my way here. He on the other hand, started and will finish his lengthy sentence here. Is this fair? What’s the point of minimum if you don’t earn it? Today’s guest author explores these same questions and considers how they both harm and benefit him. I assure you, he is one of the rare New Fish who has his head on straight.