My name is Julian Prezas a US Army Combat Veteran, of nearly 20 years. A senior non-commission officer for over half of my career; with a 100% disability rating from the VA for Combat PTSD and TBI. I am from San Antonio, Texas born and raised and did a large portion of my service in Texas. I was arrested in 2015 for various non-violent weapons charges (selling personal weapons which later were used to export into Mexico). Weapons have always been a hobby of mine and with time a fad that seemed to get out of control. With the laws being so vague and I was caught in the middle of it. I understand now, the consequences my choices brought and have accepted full responsibility for my actions and outcomes. In preparation for release; I live everyday as if I were to be released later on this year. I started my incarceration preparing for ‘My Day’. I have worked as the Reentry Clerk at the institution for the institution’s reentry coordinator since 2019. I run an all-inmate-led reentry committee in which we have a smaller reentry committee which helps create and facilitate curriculum and programs to help inmates prepare for their release. Inmates helping inmates! I constantly mentor, guide and assist individuals with resources to help tailor a specific release plan. I allow room for options incase if they encounter roadblocks or difficulties in their personal life. I constantly look to assist and help all who are willing to help themselves; I believe incarceration has served its purpose for most, and there is a measure that can be taken to see if its served its purpose. Rehabilitation is measurable and actions prove them. In preparation for my successful reintegration, I am ‘in service of others as I was in the Military. I find full satisfaction in knowing that everything within the limits of my grasp is taken care of (ID, Birth Certificate, classes, counseling, self-help/self-care, and a full release plan with Realistic goals), and now it’s time to help others. I have lived this way since I began my incarceration and hope these changes are apparent to allow for a quicker release from prison. Thank you for taking this into consideration!
