Ever since I got here (June 2, 2025), the camp has been on restriction: no TV, no telephone, restricted visitation, and a $25 every other week commissary hygiene limit. I was told these restrictions have been in place since January. Evidently, there had been a series of serious rule violations that occurred prompting leadership to implement corrective action.
Believe it or not, of the limits mentioned above, the $25 hygiene limit is the one folks complained about the most. While I’m sure the chow hall meals are calorically sufficient by government standards, most men here probably have higher requirements. After all, this is a work camp. Guys are cutting grass in the blistering Montgomery, AL sun, on their knees planting flowers, working in a commercial laundry facility, cooking meals for over 800 campers, etc. So when chow time comes around, they’re starving. The commissary is often the only saving grace.
The commissary is one of the prized privileges for campers. While it’s not meant to replace the chow hall, it greatly supplements everyday meals. Items such as ramen noodles, crackers, peanut butter, cookies, ice cream, and a host of other junk food, provide extra calories and comfort. Without access, folks are often hungry, upset, and yearning for their next sugar high.
Last week, I resumed my fasting. This is a practice I started on the outside about a year before I reported to camp. My fasts typically are 18, 24, or 36 hours in duration. After I’ve fasted, I’m in such a caloric deficit that I usually have a ravenous appetite and could probably eat a horse. On feeding days, I know that I will normally go over my normal daily calorie limit.
On Thursday, the chow hall served a light breakfast: oatmeal, muffin, orange, and milk. In order to be prepared for when the hunger pangs hit, I decided to take my orange from the chow hall. Only one problem; taking food from the chow hall back to the dorm is against camp rules. I knew it. However, I didn’t think it was much harm given that just recently, we were given bag lunches from the chow hall consisting of turkey sandwiches, chips, and banana to eat in our dorms.
Prior to leaving the chow hall, I put the orange in my right gym shorts pocket. I walked out with my hands in my pockets like I do on most days. Walking along the sidewalk towards my dorm, I needed to pass the warden and the lieutenant who were conversing. Just be cool and walk normal.
Unfortunately, something went wrong. Although lots of guys walked by the warden without incident, he singled me out, “Hey, empty your pockets on the ground right here”, he demanded. My heart immediately raced. My eyes got big not knowing what was going to happen next. I had never met the warden before although I heard some stories. Emptying my pockets, I threw the ripe scrumptious orange that I intended to comsume later on the ground hoping this incident would be over. However, it wasn’t.
The warden looked at me in a stern and direct manner and said, “What are you doing, you know you’re not suppose to take anything out of the chow hall?” “Yes sir”, I said in an apologetic tone. He continued, “I expect this from these young guys, but you’re too old for this.” Again I said, “Yes sir, you’re right!” Attempting to get clarification and to understand the policy (remember, I’m new and have only been here 10 days at this point), I sought permission to ask the warden a question. He granted it. I asked, “Sir, given that we recently received a bag lunch from the chow hall containing a sandwich and fruit to consume in our dorms, what’s the difference with me taking a piece of fruit back to the dorms that was served to me on a tray while in the chow hall. “
I’ve got to give the warden credit, he spoke to me respectfully and responded in a professional manner. He simply said, “You see, that’s the criminal mindset. You know the rules and now you’re trying to justify your behavior!” While this wasn’t what I wanted to hear, he was right. I broke the rules and needed to be reminded that no matter how small I may think it is, I’m required to comply. Although this is not exactly how I wanted my first interaction with the warden to go, I thanked him and moved on.
When I got back to my dorm, I told my friends what happened. The laughs and jeers wouldn’t stop. They mocked and reminded me that I clearly was no criminal and made a number of rookie mistakes. While they were having fun at my expense, I couldn’t help but think about how the camp was put on restriction in the first place: People Breaking The Rules!!
