I was asked by the committee who oversees the prison's occasionally published magazine, THE GUNK, if I would like to write an article in behalf of Shawangunk's veterans group...
I eagerly agreed to do so. And the following is what I composed to let the facility's population know there is an active veterans' organization in this place.
"If you once served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, be it Army, Navy,
Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard, or at one time performed any military reserve or
National Guard duty in service to your country, then the Veterans Organization at
Shawangunk wants you. Whether you were honorably discharged or received a less
than honorable discharge for any reason, you still served your country, and you belong
with us.
"I myself served in the U.S. Army from 1971-74. I did a three-year enlistment, having been
assigned to a mechanized infantry unit while overseas, and a training unit while stateside.
As a soldier, I had experiences that those who have never been in the military would
not understand. And I believe the same is true for you. As veterans, we share a common
bond, as well as a special kind of camaraderie.
"So if you are a veteran, great! We have meetings every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30
in room 8-1201. We have the room all to ourselves. So come join us. Grab a cup of coffee as
we rap, and reminisce, about our time in the military, and what, as veterans, our future goals
should be.
"If you are eligible and interested, please drop a note to DSP J. Taylor-Stewart asking that
your name be added to our weekly callouts. See you there.
David Berkowitz"
NOTE: I have just been informed that this article has been accepted for publication as is and will be in the next issue of the prison's magazine.
D.B.
"If you once served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, be it Army, Navy,
Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard, or at one time performed any military reserve or
National Guard duty in service to your country, then the Veterans Organization at
Shawangunk wants you. Whether you were honorably discharged or received a less
than honorable discharge for any reason, you still served your country, and you belong
with us.
"I myself served in the U.S. Army from 1971-74. I did a three-year enlistment, having been
assigned to a mechanized infantry unit while overseas, and a training unit while stateside.
As a soldier, I had experiences that those who have never been in the military would
not understand. And I believe the same is true for you. As veterans, we share a common
bond, as well as a special kind of camaraderie.
"So if you are a veteran, great! We have meetings every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30
in room 8-1201. We have the room all to ourselves. So come join us. Grab a cup of coffee as
we rap, and reminisce, about our time in the military, and what, as veterans, our future goals
should be.
"If you are eligible and interested, please drop a note to DSP J. Taylor-Stewart asking that
your name be added to our weekly callouts. See you there.
David Berkowitz"
NOTE: I have just been informed that this article has been accepted for publication as is and will be in the next issue of the prison's magazine.
D.B.
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