1-30-2018
William David Linley

BtB,

Hello, world!

These last few months were more difficult, and I struggled greatly with PTS (anxiety) and depression symptoms. I will not focus on that now. Let's just say God's Grace is sufficient for all my needs.

I am grateful for the letters, cards, and notes I receive. Often these have been the highlight of my entire week.

2017 was our first year living in the "veterans" housing unit (HU). Overall, it is a success. But we faced many hurdles. We overcame each challenge, and this year will be no different. In time, with IDOC staff support, the vets HU and group will be able to really help vets survive and succeed prison to become better, healthier citizens.

On the negative side, there were three men we were compelled to drop, two others whom chose to leave before they were dropped, and three vets we gave 90-day suspensions for severe behaviors which resulted in major level tickets that they incurred on their own.

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3-8-2018

Everything is cleaned up now and this year promises to be positive. We've come to realize that being in a prison means many "veterans" will have serious mental and emotional health issues. I'm one of them, after all. But for those lacking self-control and discipline, we just have to stand firm on them and not put up with any foolishness.

The email service was finally activated yesterday. They are not selling the MP3 players yet, but we can do emails on the kiosks in the dayroom until they do.

It's a GiTL provider (connectnetwork.gov or .com, I'm not sure). The IDOC website will have a link and info, if anyone would like to set up an account with me.

In January 2018, there was a new IDOC program enacted for earned good time credit. This allows a person some minor reduction in their sentence based on behavior and conduct. This was two years in the works and of course.... nothing was ready in January. It will take months for them to figure things out. A bit discouraging for all of us hoping for any relief.

Now I am hearing there are some staff trying to reverse this program.

More next time,
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