Las Vegas NowNevada Boot Camp Inmates Build Memorial to Fallen Soldiers
On this Memorial Day, an 18-mile march holds important meaning on so many levels.For veterans, Memorial Day is a chance to remember comrades who have died. But for prisoners, it's a day to remember what life used to be like. There was a very special ceremony Monday where military meets the incarcerated.
It's called the Nevada Boot Camp -- a special six month military-style diversion program. Instead of a jail cell, inmates get the tough love of the military -- and 190 days to earn back their freedom. Monday, they dedicated a memorial to fallen soldiers -- just beyond the razor wire.
On this Memorial Day, an 18-mile march holds important meaning on so many levels -- 18 miles of marching, one for every major conflict in U.S. History.
"An absolute reminder of what's right and what's wrong," said Richard Baxter, Boot Camp trainee.
While the men are marching military style -- this isn't at all what it seems. This is boot camp, but it goes by another name.
"This is an alternative sanctioned prison," said Lt. Harold Wickham, Nevada Department of Corrections.
And they aren't soldiers.
"They are all convicted felons age 18 and above," said Lt. Wickham. He helped build the camp on a bedrock of principles.
"Discipline, respect and motivation," he said. "They're here because the judges see something in them worth saving.
If they pass boot camp, the "trainees" as they're called, get probation -- a clean slate, and renewed freedoms.
"I see their lives change and get to send them back out in the community as productive citizens," shares Lt. Wickham.
On Memorial Day, a chance for honor in another form.
"To those who came before us and died for our freedoms -- for the very freedoms that you're working for today," said Lt. Wickham.
One man among the 60 knows more than most about honor. Richard Baxter had it -- and lost it. "A lot of embarrassment involved in all of this. Once a service member and now charged with burglary, sir," he said.
From 1986 to 1990, Baxter was in the Air Force. That's why he holds the flag. For the last 125 days, he's been here for felony burglary in Amargosa Valley. Monday's memorial of heroes brings those two worlds together.
"Boot camp gives us another opportunity to prove that we're positive citizens in society -- that we deserve a second chance, sir," said Baxter.
Learning a lesson, earning freedom and remembering better times by honoring those who gave so much.
"Just brought back a lot of memories of being in the service and the way the rest of the world depends on you," said Baxter. "Looking forward to another chance, sir, to show family and friends that things have changed."
It's important to note -- the camp is only for non-violent offenders. Richard Baxter hopes to re-join the carpenters' union after he gets out in 65 days.
Normally it costs about $54 a day to house inmates in traditional prisons. Lieutenant Wickham's boot camp only costs $15. After costs for staff, he runs the entire program on $30,000 a year.
A small price to give convicted criminals another chance to give honor -- but to get it as well.
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