“Thank you for your service.”
These words are frequently said to me and other incarcerated veterans upon learning we served in the military. My response, however, is one of deep frustration—particularly toward the Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC) and the administrators at Old Colony Correctional Center (OCCC), whose discriminatory practices starkly contradict their claims of supporting veterans.
Empty Promises and Broken Trust
On December 27, 2024, I met directly with Commissioner Jenkins, questioning MADOC’s refusal to issue certificates of recognition to veterans who organize charitable events. Despite assurances from Commissioner Jenkins that these issues would be addressed and that MADOC representatives would attend our American Veterans in Prison (AVIP) 2025 charity events—including a Charity Concert for Fishing With Warriors and a Charity Walk benefiting the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund—no follow-through has occurred.
Discriminatory Delays and Unequal Standards
Despite submitting the February 2025 event application five months in advance, our proposal was ignored until the last moment and then unfairly rejected by Volunteer Services Coordinator RO II Austin Campos. Conversely, another group's application submitted only days before their event was swiftly processed and approved without rigorous demands.
AVIP faced unnecessary obstacles such as detailed guest lists with extensive information, while other groups received swift approval without similar scrutiny. This blatant discrimination resulted in all subsequent AVIP events being denied outright.
Censorship and Suppression of Military History
Further illustrating this bias, our request to screen historically significant military films such as “12 Strong,” “Zero Dark Thirty,” and “American Sniper” was denied solely due to their R-ratings. Simultaneously, films depicting sexual violence are routinely allowed. This selective censorship targets veterans specifically, suppressing critical aspects of military history under a thin pretext.
Dismantling Veteran Support Networks
AVIP’s constitution was arbitrarily declared invalid, our board dissolved, and restrictive conditions placed on our meetings, despite no regulatory basis under 103 CMR 485. These actions amount to systematic discrimination against veterans.
Demanding Accountability and Equal Treatment
We demand no special treatment, merely fairness. I am personally returning my military medals to Governor Healey to highlight this injustice, while community veterans seek answers about this targeted discrimination. The hypocrisy must end.
Ultimately, respect is better measured by actions than empty words.
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