Arizona Department of Corrections Press Release
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Corrections is pleased to announce it is implementing a new inmate program for those who previously served our nation in uniform. The Regaining Honor program will be located at ASPC-Tucson and initially serve up to 125 minimum-custody male inmates who previously received an honorable, general, or medical discharge from a branch of the armed forces prior to their incarceration and currently are within six to 24 months of release.
“This program will give these men a chance to earn back the pride and honor they achieved while serving our country,” explains Charles Ryan, Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections.
The Regaining Honor program will offer veteran-specific groups, classes, workshops, and release planning. It is hoped that, through these specialized services, incarcerated veterans will address the issues that contributed to their incarceration and successfully reenter society as law abiding citizens, and thus reduce recidivism for this population.
Regaining Honor will utilize a variety of partnerships to provide services to support the program, including such groups as the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, the Department of Economic Security’s Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, the Tucson chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, and local 12 Step volunteers.
Inmate participation in the new program is voluntary and requires the veterans to agree to adhere to a strict code of conduct. Participants will have opportunities to engage in community betterment projects, flag handling classes and ceremonies, and a physical training regimen.
“This is an exciting opportunity for both the veteran inmates and my staff at the Whetstone Unit,” said Deputy Warden Dionne Martinez, who has been instrumental in implementing the Regaining Honor program.
The Regaining Honor program outcomes will be closely tracked and measured. ADC intends to expand the program to additional inmate populations in other locations, if it’s determined to be successful.