The California Medical Facility (CMF) recently hosted the Military Assistance Program, a collaboration between military personnel and incarcerated individuals.
Military leadership attends program
Travis Air Force Base Commander Brigadier General Derek Salmi and Staff Judge Advocate Lisa Moseley joined other executive staff and base personnel for the Military Assistance Program at CMF in Vacaville.
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Since its inception in 2016, the military program has served as diversion for young airmen who may be veering off course. The incarcerated population at CMF offers them firsthand insight into the consequences of their actions. Through facility tours, shared meals, and testimonials, these individuals get a glimpse into the realities of life behind bars.
“We must understand we have to lean on some of these resources. These are not bad people; they just made a bad decision,” said Air Force Master Sergeant Just Macedonio. “So how can we learn from that? They made a mistake that probably some of our people have made too, but theirs has taken them different places.”
For the incarcerated population, this program offers an opportunity to make amends, according to Emily Haley, Community Resources Manager.
The program allows them to reflect on their past choices while imparting valuable lessons to those who may be walking a similar path.
Shared experiences with different outcomes
“We share our perspectives and life experiences, not just our life in prison but our childhood and how our personalities developed,” said Terrance Harris, an incarcerated participant. “We discuss the choices we were left with, the rights and wrongs, what we miss about life, and what we cherish. They start sharing their stories with us, and we start noticing all the similarities.”
The February event marks a renewed commitment between the base and CMF, despite pandemic slowdowns. Both parties recognize mutual benefits of this partnership, providing active-duty members with an unfiltered look at life inside prison.
All participants who engage in this program gain invaluable insights, dispelling misconceptions they may have gleaned from movies or TV shows. Instead, they receive a firsthand understanding of the complexities of life behind bars and the potential for redemption.
As the collaboration between CMF and the military continues, it serves as an example of hope for positive change and mutual understanding.
Through empathy, education, and shared experiences, both sides work toward a brighter future.
Story David Maldonado, Deputy Chief
External Affairs and Strategic Communications
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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