ROCKVILLE, Ind.–Inside the walls of Rockville Correctional Facility, nine women remember their life on the outside as different from the other inmates. They served in the military, and on Nov. 14, they were honored with a luncheon. Their service is not forgotten just because they are in prison.

“They were once successful, and we know that. But, they kind of lost their way and we want to bring that back full circle,” said Kristen Selvia-Butler, transition coordinator at Rockville. She also helps run the Incarcerated Veterans Program.

“We just want to bring them in and thank them for their service and remind them that while they are offenders currently, that first and foremost, they’re veterans.”

Selvia-Butler said many of the veterans who have come through Rockville Correctional, were there because of drugs.

“We’ve had a couple that have been injured in battle basically and they were hooked on pain pills,” she said. Some were also there because of crimes of passion, she said.

But, the program is designed to build on their camaraderie and sense of unity. What they have in common is that they served. And, Selvia-Butler said they, for the most part, all still have that pride and sense of respect. So, they get together every three or four months and learn about employment or programs to help them with drug and alcohol dependence when they get out.

“We also just have some fun groups where they just get together and share their stories, watch a video, have some refreshments. While some of it is structured, some of it is about being a united group.”

Selvia-Butler said her hope is that one of the next steps in building a program for incarcerated veterans is establishing an American Legion post on prison grounds, which has already been done at some state prisons.

But, a mentorship program is also being established that’s meant to help with the transition from the inside to the outside.

“We want someone to mentor them that shows them the proper way to be successful on the outside,” said Selvia Butler. “They’re very proud of what they did. They’re proud of the time they served and what they did for their country.”

She said most of the women talk about why they joined and how great that makes them feel, and that’s what they strive for when they get back out.

 

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