Veterans incarcerated at MTC’s Otero County Prison Facility in Chaparral, New Mexico have formed a Veteran’s Club. The club recently donated to the Backpacks for Vets charity, which works to provide backpacks containing a variety of needed supplies to homeless and near-homeless veterans. The Otero County facility donated 30 backpacks, along with a check for $250.

Jeff Dray, president of the Veteran’s Democratic Council of nearby Dona Ana County, organized the Backpacks for Vets drive.

“When my organization was presented with the donated backpacks and check, we were both extremely grateful and elated,” said Mr. Dray.

Club member Carl Mead spoke to Mr. Dray’s willingness to work with their Veteran’s Club.  “I think it was very good that outside organizations are willing to work with the clubs at the facility.”

“A ‘shout out’ to Warden Simmons,” says club member George Tice, referring to Deputy Warden DeLoris Simmons.

“She sought out an organization that we, the Veteran’s Club, could work with to help veterans on the outside who are in need.  She went beyond our expectations.  We expect this relationship with Mr. Dray to be a long-lasting benefit to many people.”

“The eagerness of the facility management to help our cause,” says Mr. Dray, “the professionalism and friendliness of the staff and the exceptional behavior of the inmates really surprised us.” 

He went on to explain how Warden Rick Martinez explained MTC’s BIONIC philosophy, defining what it means to promote a ‘Believe It Or Not I Care’ attitude.

“It really made sense,” Mr. Dray continues, “because we could see that philosophy resonate through the facility when we met various staff members and inmates. It’s truly a blessing to have connected with such a great partner in the community and an ambassador to the potential of what private run facilities can do. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you all have done.”