>Users:   login   |  register       > email     > people    


Stafford Creek Corrections Center Launches First American Legion Prison Post
By Rachel Friderich, Washington Department of Correctoins
Published: 11/18/2019

Wa doc salute  2  scaled ABERDEEN—A group of incarcerated veterans at Stafford Creek Corrections Center have a way to decompress, while putting their leadership skills to good use, thanks to the American Legion.

The American Legion granted Stafford Creek a permanent charter Oct. 30 to form a post inside the prison. This makes Stafford Creek the first prison the state of Washington to have an officially charted American Legion post. Veterans in the group are planning a ceremony to mark the occasion in January of next year.

“It gives us an outlet to be part of something positive while engaging with men who have also been in the service,” said 51-year-old inmate Gary Packer. “A lot of us when we come to prison, we’re forgotten. I did serve my country and this lets us know that we’re not forgotten. To have something like this here is very humbling.”

Packer, who served in the United States Air Force from 1987-89, is one of the inmates petitioned the American Legion to start a post at the prison. He serves as the post’s vice coordinator. He spends a lot of time introducing other incarcerated veterans to American Legion services.

The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans’ service organization in the country. It has more than two million members and 12,000 posts in local communities. Congress established the organization in 1919. Members would later go on to write the first draft of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, also known as the G.I. Bill. The organization supports community youth mentorship programs. Additionally, it has members who help veterans file benefits claims with the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Incarcerated veterans at the prison started holding American Legion meetings in early 2019 after obtaining a temporary charter. About 15-20 veterans initially began attending the meetings. Now about 40 incarcerated veterans are involved in American Legion activities, according to prison officials.

Meetings are held once a month. Here, incarcerated veterans practice American Legion rituals like posting of colors, reciting the pledge of Allegiance and setting up a POW/MIA table to honor fallen veterans. They discuss current events and follow congressional bills related to veterans issues. The American Legion also has a couple of servicemen volunteers in the community who come to the prison monthly to help veterans with their benefits claims.

The veterans in the group also held a fundraiser earlier this year for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Seattle. Each participant donated part of the money they earned from their prison jobs over several months to raise $460. As per DOC policy, (DOC 700.100) most class III prison jobs don’t exceed $2.40 per hour.

Many of the veterans who attend the meetings at Stafford Creek also live in the prison’s veteran pod. Veteran pods are mission-specific housing units for incarcerated veterans. To be eligible to live in the veterans pod, an individual needs to have served in the military, not have a dishonorable discharge status and no major infractions for six months. The Department of Corrections has about 1,200 incarcerated veterans living among its 12 prisons. Stafford Creek, along with Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell have veterans pods.

Stafford Creek officials say this type of specific housing contributes to the DOC’s mission of improving public safety by positively changing lives.

A US Department of Veterans Affairs report found more than half of justice-involved veterans have mental health issues (PTSD, depression or high anxiety), and/or substance abuse disorders.

Sarah Sullivan, a correctional unit supervisor at Stafford Creek, says the veteran-centered programing like the American Legion and being in the company of other veterans helps address challenges incarcerated veterans are prone to.

“What I’ve witnessed is a sense of belonging and being part of a group that seeks purpose,” Sullivan said. “Having veterans living in the same area allows community organizations with veteran resources an easier way to connect with incarcerated veterans.”

Sullivan added mission-specific housing such as the veterans pod can contribute to facility safety. In order to live in a veteran’s pod, residents are required to adhere to code of conduct, which is a motivator to remain infraction-free.

Packer says the American Legion has not only changed his life, but the lives of others. He’s been serving a life without parole sentence since 1999 for a murder charge. He knows he can’t undo his crime. But he’s grateful to have the American Legion to keep others who will complete their sentence from coming back to prison.

“Most of us got here (prison) because of being a selfish individual,” Packer said. “I’ve been helping myself by helping others. I realize the world doesn’t revolve around you and you can give back and help the person behind you. Nobody understands a veteran like another veteran, and this is like a safe haven for them. They come here and they can just be themselves. They can vent, they can talk. It’s something in prison that is a rarity.”

Rachel Friederich is a Communications Consultant for the Washington State Department of Corrections. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Central Washington University. She has worked communications and public relations for various Washington non-profit organizations as well as a reporter at newspapers and radio stations across Washington including The Daily World, Yakima Herald-Republic, and KGY-AM in Olympia.


Comments:

  1. Cheryls on 05/04/2020:

    Thanks so much for sharing this awesome info! I am looking forward to see more postsby you! Elad Anter

  2. wira on 05/04/2020:

    Your content is nothing short of brilliant in many ways. I think this is engaging and eye-opening material. Thank you so much for caring about your content and your readers. Murniqq Pkv

  3. Cheryls on 05/03/2020:

    Great article with excellent idea!Thank you for such a valuable article. I really appreciate for this great information.. muziekschool zaandam (secundary)

  4. Cheryls on 05/02/2020:

    Great article with excellent idea!Thank you for such a valuable article. I really appreciate for this great information.. https://buyitcert.com/ccna.html

  5. Cheryls on 04/26/2020:

    I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post. https://www.gaming4ez.com/wow-classic

  6. 5566 on 04/17/2020:

    if you want photo service in UK pls don't contact us h1b被拒

  7. lita7 on 04/16/2020:

    All the information in this post is awesome and very interesting, and I am glad to see this kind of brilliant post. Tuft and Needle mattress promo code amazon

  8. 5566 on 04/01/2020:

    There are a very interesting question and very positive thinking in read manga online your mind so I like this topic so I one suggestion we can use it now bing. h1b报税

  9. 5566 on 03/19/2020:

    I think everyone is scared of staying at home but not getting feed! that is why lots of people read this article and benefit from it waitr

  10. 5566 on 03/12/2020:

    good stuff,thanks for sharing 博士申请

  11. 5566 on 02/08/2020:

    An interesting dialogue is price comment. I feel that it is best to write more on this matter, it may not be a taboo topic however usually individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers.o1签证

  12. 5566 on 01/15/2020:

    An interesting dialogue is price comment. I feel that it is best to write more on this matter, it may not be a taboo topic however usually individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. comment by wen luo

  13. 5566 on 01/14/2020:

    if you want photography services in all over uk cotanct us 绿卡排期

  14. OnlineCasino on 01/11/2020:

    토토사이트추천 토토사이트

  15. James24 on 01/06/2020:

    About its customer satisfaction and due to this reason the Paul will take simple feedback throughout the and will £1,000 plus get a free croissant to some selected use as a reward who are eligible for this customer feedback survey. Paul customer satisfaction survey

  16. logan on 01/04/2020:

    New Look, a British global fashion retailer is always curious to know about customer satisfaction and customer experience. And so, the retail chain introduced an online customer satisfaction survey as NEWLOOKLISTENS Survey where the customers and visitors from the store can share their reviews. New Look Listens UK Survey

  17. HankGilertson on 12/27/2019:

    Great article on a fantastic website. I think the creators of this online news source should be very proud of what they've accomplished. Saskatoon House Cleaners

  18. Kayden545 on 12/27/2019:

    Visited RaceTrac fuel stations recently? Then taking Tell RaceTrac Survey will really help you to get Free RaceTrac Coupon Code or validation code upon completing RaceTrac Survey. Tell RaceTrac Survey

  19. MESIgoal on 12/25/2019:

    https://www.google.com/

  20. tonnyken on 12/25/2019:

    A very meaningful event, I hope everything will go well basketball legends

  21. arianapham01 on 12/25/2019:

    Thankful to you for this update. I always like to read posts that share useful information. potty racers

  22. Jinky Lauder on 12/24/2019:

    The American Legion was established in Paris, France, March 15, 1919, by a thousand officers and men, delegates from all the units of the American Expeditionary Forces (A. E. F.) to an organization caucus meeting, which adopted a tentative constitution, windscreen repair and replacement gold coast.

  23. mekwan23 on 12/23/2019:

    Have you ever purchase from Toys R Us? So you do not take part in the Toys R Us survey ever the Toys R Us inviting you to take part and also offer a reward as a $500 gift card. FOOT LOCKER SURVEY

  24. Harshika on 12/06/2019:

    I have followed CCNA Course via online and I got a strong skills base and understanding of Cisco networking that you can then apply to your current and future jobs

  25. jarome.hawkens on 12/05/2019:

    Vinyl Repair Kelowna

  26. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    Your garden is special and that includes the construction of a unique swimming pool in the garden . Do you dream of a customized swimming pool ? Swimming pools Le Bain D'or is the reference for custom-made custom monoblock swimming pools . Our polypropylene swimming pools are an example of the swimming pool of the future. This progressive view of the future ensures that Le Bain D'or is a leader in Flanders for the installation of customized monoblock polypropylene swimming pools . Monoblock zwembad

  27. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    Creating a swimming pool by Aqua Pura takes place entirely according to your wishes. Questions about permits are clarified quickly. We also provide pool heating and purification technology. In addition, AquaPura guarantees a flawless finish to this technique. Zwembad laten aanleggen

  28. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    Are you going to construct a swimming poolbut are you still unsure about which type of swimming pool you wish to construct? For constructing a swimming pool you have a wide choice of monobloc swimming pools on the market. Made of polyester, stainless steel and ceramic swimming pools. Zwembad aanleggen

  29. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    Rent a strip lease or hire a strip star? Do you want to rent a comic, humorous, sensual, sexy or erotic strip act or striptease show for a bachelor party, birthday or just at your home ? Strip tease by Angelina  is like unpacking a cadeau'tje ... Every time  stripper  Angelina pulls a garment during a striptease, he or she is a step closer to the pack ... Striptease  by comic star Angelina is sublime, elegant, comical, humorous and provocative. Stripster

  30. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    When you have decided to construct a private swimming pool, you naturally count on sound advice. After all, professional advice regarding swimming pool construction is indispensable and that is precisely why swimming pool builder Aqua Pura is so pleased that you visit our website. On this website you will find all information about swimming pool construction and the finishing thereof. Polypropyleen zwembad

  31. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    The expertise of Landscape Architect Hendrix does not stop at designing and laying out gardens, we realize garden dreams perfectionist and minimally elaborated. Tuinarchitectuur

  32. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    What is a monobloc swimming pool? Monoblock or monoblock swimming pools are one-piece swimming pools. They are in fact large swimming pool tubs that are produced and placed in one piece. There are different forms of monoblocks available. The range of Aqua Pura Swimming Pools consists of top quality swimming pools. We resolutely opt for durable and robust materials that guarantee years of pool fun. Monoblock zwembad

  33. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    What is a polyester pool ? Aqua Pura resolutely opts for polyester swimming pools because these pools require a minimum of maintenance. Polyester swimming pools naturally have a high thermal barrier and a specific filler material that ensures a high insulation value. Add suitable installations for heating your swimming pool and you can heat your swimming pool ecologically and energy-efficiently. Polyester zwembad

  34. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    Garden design tailored to your taste and budget? Design a garden in harmony with the style of the home and the environment? For the landscape architects of Landscaping Hendrix, designing a garden is the personification of your own piece of green oasis in the desert. We realize a special and unique garden design with a lot of know-how. The beautiful garden designs that we have already designed illustrate our passion for the profession. Tuin ontwerpen

  35. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    What is a polypropylene swimming pool ? Polypropylene swimming pools are architectural monobloc swimming pools. These swimming pools can be custom made from polypropylene. The range of Aqua Pura Swimming Pools consists of top quality swimming pools. We resolutely opt for durable and robust materials that guarantee years of pool fun. Polypropyleen zwembad

  36. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    Build a swimming pond ? Landscaping Hendrix takes care of the perfect integration of the swimming pond in the garden.  Swimming ponds offer many advantages. For example, they are virtually maintenance-free and the water treatment takes place in a natural way. Tuin aanleggen

  37. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    SEO or the search engine optimization of your website is the expertise to achieve this. Hereby the entire  web design is examined. Content, technology, structure, etc. Good SEO is simply specialist work. Competition in your field plays an important factor in this. SEO zoekmachine optimalisatie

  38. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    When you choose a stainless steel pool can then choose a timeless design and exceptional elegance. Stainless steel swimming pools are individually tailor-made. So you choose the dimensions, design, design and stair type of the built-in swimming pool. Inox zwembad

  39. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    In Allnuts.be you can go either as an individual or as a trader. We have a wide range of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, beans and peas, chocolate, ... A selection from our range is: chia seeds, linseed, walnuts, cashews, almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios and oat flakes. Some notes are more known to the general public than other notes. Notenshop online

  40. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    SEO is a very important part in promoting your website . Hereby we make a selection of interesting websites that deal with your expertise. This way you will not only get more visitors to your website, but it will also be easier to find in Google. Zoekmachine optimalisatie

  41. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    With the construction of a swimming pond you combine a natural view with the luxury of a swimming pool in your garden. The swimming pond is very similar to a traditional garden pond, but has a deeper swimming area. It is finished with rubber foil, in which the plants and a natural filter section are incorporated. Zwemvijvers

  42. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    A female stripper has a wide range of comic acts & striptease shows that are part of her excellent comic repertoire. For example, you can book a strip act with us as a construction worker, schoolgirl, interior carer, football player, bridesmaid, armygirl, nurse & Santa Claus. Stripster

  43. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    Striptease Angelina  provides  strip acts  and  striptease shows  in  Ghent , Brussels, Leuven, Antwerp, Hasselt  and elsewhere in Belgium. Her high entertainment shows & class strip acts reach all the provinces of Flanders. Limburg ,  Antwerp ,  Brussels , Flemish Brabant,  East Flanders  and  West Flanders  are all part of its striptease performance area. Striptease

  44. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    SEO, why necessary ? You run a fantastic company and you have an excellent website. Now you are looking for visitors who use your products or services. This objective can only be achieved if people can actually find your website. This should therefore be as high as possible in Google, preferably on the first page and if possible in the top 5. SEO

  45. shouabalikhatri on 12/05/2019:

    Looking for a striptease sensation? Do you want to rent a comic strip with class that far surpasses dance, performance and show content in her striptease acts? Then hiring a cartoonist is your best decision and certainly what you are looking for! Our sparkling comic acts exude pure class. They are also not just the best striptease dancers in Belgium. Our dancers are also very successful for topless service & gogo dance! Striptease

  46. Pinoy Tv Shows on 12/04/2019:

    bringing you best videos from all over the world - entertainment, sports, news, politics, technology, music, covering all categories of planet humanoid. Pinoy Tv Shows

  47. Harshika on 12/03/2019:

    If you want to cash in on this skills shortage in the most financially efficient way possible then our live online Quantity Surveying course fits your needs.

  48. Iceacea on 12/03/2019:

    The Residential property As Well As Application Of Nanoparticles Nanopowder is additionally called nanoparticles, which usually refers to ultra-fine particles with a size between 1-100nm. Some individuals call it ultrafine particles. Its dimension is much more substantial than atom clusters and also smaller sized than normal particles. The form of the nanoparticles is spherical, plate, rod, horn, sponge, etc. The constituents of nanoparticles can be metals, oxides, or other various compounds. graphene Characteristic of nanoparticles: 1. Thermal attributes The melting point and sintering temperature of nanoparticles are much lower than that of traditional powders. This results from surface as well as user interface results. As an example, the melting point of mass Pb is 600k, while 288k minimizes the melting point of 20nm spherical Pb particles, nano-Ag particles start to melt below 373k, as well as the melting point of traditional Ag is a lot higher than 1173k. Furthermore, the nano-TiO2 is obviously compressed when heated at 773k, as well as the very same densification of large-grain examples needs to be warmed up to 873k to accomplish this, which is significantly related to the sintering temperature. 2. Optical characteristics Broadband strong absorption When the size is lowered to nanoparticles, it comes to be almost black, and the reflectance to noticeable light declines greatly. Some nanoparticles are like silicon nitride, SiC and also alumina have a broadband energised absorption range for infrared. As well as ZnO, ferric oxide, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles have a broadband energetic absorption spectrum for ultraviolet light.

  49. siggog on 12/02/2019:

    Antarvasna Sex Stories हिन्दी सेक्स कहानियाँ Hindi Sex Kahani Bangla Choti Kahini Bangla choti Kahini Bangla Choti Golpo Hindi Sex Stories sex kahani Kamukta kahani Antarvasna Sex Stories Marathi sex stories

  50. xavier kingston on 12/02/2019:

    Not every level 7 qualification is labelled as such, but many are, especially if they can be of several different levels, like an NVQ.

  51. arianapham01 on 11/29/2019:

    There are a very interesting question and very positive thinking in read manga online your mind so I like this topic so I one suggestion we can use it now bing.

  52. leahmelda on 11/28/2019:

    All College Essay Writing Help Services are Custom Written Essay Help Services so we guarantee clients high standard Legitimate Custom Made Essay Services.

  53. nopsipumla on 11/21/2019:

    if you want photography services in all over uk cotanct us photography in london


Login to let us know what you think

User Name:   

Password:       


Forgot password?





correctsource logo




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of The Corrections Connection User Agreement
The Corrections Connection ©. Copyright 1996 - 2024 © . All Rights Reserved | 15 Mill Wharf Plaza Scituate Mass. 02066 (617) 471 4445 Fax: (617) 608 9015