11/7/2014

Veteran's Day
Hello, World!

Our Graham Vets group will be meeting on the 20th for our annual recognition of Veteran's Day.

The meetings are simple and only once per month. Even though we desire to meet at least twice, so far it is not possible. But we have new hope. In the last twelve months, we have all new wardens. one is a veteran and supports our group! Another warden, while not a veteran, has proven his word in supporting our group's activities and success.

In fact, this next meeting is extended almost three hours! Four times a year (Christmas, July 4th, Memorial Day, and Veteran's Day), we are permitted to have a meal together during the meeting. It's the same chow all inmates get for that day, but usually there is a little extra provided to get double portions. The kitchen supervisors have also shown their support when they prep the weekly menu. By serving chicken, burgers, or fish patties rather than bologna sandwiches, Texas hash, or hot dogs.

Now, all those don't sound bad, but trust me, these don't even reach convenience store quality. While burgers are one of the better meals, it has a high percentage of soy and very bland. And while double portions sound great, in prison, a normal meal portion is about the amount you'd feed a 10-year-old.

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for what we do get. And looking forward to our veteran's meal together. We can relax and eat casually, not rushed. And we can have decent conversations. The chow hall is regimented, cold, and someone's always yelling to keep quiet, eat, and get out quick.

Anyway, our new chaplain is also a veteran. Eight years army and Gulf War vet. So between him and the wardens, we have a renewed hope to move this group forward in the next year.

During this meal, we also hold a flag ceremony, posting the colors, and each branch will sing their song. Air Force has dropped to about four members, so we'll have to help them out a little.

We will also do a reading. No, not a palm reading. There will be five to eight short readings about Veteran's Day and we will also stand in silent reflection as the names of all those killed in action (KIA) are read. They are the names listed since our last meeting with a ceremony.

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12/12/14 (update)

Our Veteran's Day meeting was the best one I've attended in over three years here. Two wardens dropped in and one shared his own story as a Marine during the Gulf War. He also gave his word that a veterans specific counseling group would be started. Nothing on that yet, but twenty men signed up to attend.

For our December 16th meeting, the VA rep, Mr. Rolondo Vasquez from St. Louis, is scheduled to be here. I'll ask if his office can contribute to this effort. As things happen slowly in prison, I will wait until after the holidays to begin asking the chaplain, coordinator, and warden to follow up.

Have a blessed holiday season with your loved ones. Make it count. Forgive grievances...

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David