The shift from military service to civilian life can be daunting, involving the loss of military support networks, the challenge of building new social connections and the need to adjust to civilian norms and expectations. Add in combat exposure and undiagnosed or untreated physical and mental health challenges, and many veterans turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use and criminality. In fact, research shows nearly one-third of male U.S. veterans in state prisons have combat experience, suggesting that newly transitioned veterans are twice as likely as non-veterans to face incarceration.

CoreCivic's Lake Erie Correctional Institution in Conneaut, Ohio, along with the facility's government partner, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, are committed to supporting those who have served in our country's armed forces and helping them find a healthy path forward.

In 2016, justice-involved veterans and correctional staff at Lake Erie developed Rise Up Veterans. This six-month program offers structure and support to fellow veterans based on the U.S. military’s seven principles of mission command.

“Rise Up Veterans is a resident-led program focused on mutual respect, mentorship, and physical and mental wellness,” explained Misty Mackey, warden at Lake Erie. “Participants surround themselves with people who want to give back and do the right thing. The culture of Rise Up Veterans is service-oriented, with participants always asking what they can do for others instead of what they can take for themselves.”

One of the benefits of participating in Rise Up Veterans includes guidance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in navigating the application process for veteran benefits.

“Sometimes veterans have a lot of pride and are hesitant to accept the benefits offered through the VA,” said Mackey. “Our local VA staff helps participants understand veteran benefits have been earned through service to our country. Once veterans are open to receiving benefits, the VA helps them navigate the application process, and ultimately bridge the gap between incarceration and reentry.”

In addition to Rise Up Veterans, Lake Erie offers a veteran housing unit and honor dorm where military flags and artwork are displayed. The facility staff who oversee the dorm, Unit Manager Damian Padilla Jr., Assistant Unit Manager Brandon Scribben, and Correctional Counselor Jordan Buck, are U.S. veterans themselves. This common background creates shared camaraderie and understanding between staff and residents.

According to Mackey, the culture of service starts with the staff at Lake Erie and extends to those entrusted to CoreCivic's care.

“What makes our facility stand out is how committed and engaged our staff are. They’re so invested in what we do, and more than 20 team members have been here since the center opened in 2000,” said Mackey.

Of course, staff and residents are involved in giving back to the community. Mackey serves on the Conneaut Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and Daniel Pritchard, assistant warden at Lake Erie, serves on the Rotary Club board of directors. Staff and residents help with the annual D-Day (observed annually on June 6, 1944, the day in World War II on which Allied forces invaded northern France by means of beach landings in Normandy) recreation event in Conneaut. From correctional officers assisting with security to residents building props, they work toward a common goal to assist with this popular community event.

“We all get a lot out of giving back. Whether it’s presenting a check to a local nonprofit or residents knitting hats for the local VA hospital, this culture of service is an essential part of our facility,” said Mackey.