Hi everyone

Sorry that I haven't posted in quite a while or been online. After my son's court date, for some reason that even I could not understand, I just could not go back online. It seems that my entire life this past year has been consumed with my son's situation and all of the "what if's" that go along with it. He is now serving in San Diego. His sentence was light compared to a lot online here but I also know that even when his sentence is complete, his problems have probably only begun.

He has asked me to obtain letters from different sources for him to present to the parole board on July 6. Does anyone know what information the letters should contain or what the board will be looking for? I assume that they are looking for our support when he gets out but I don't know for sure. Should they be short and sweet? I also assume that they do not want to read lengthy and involved letters.

Thanks for "listening".
Pam

Pam,
It's good to hear from you again! It's natural to devote your energies to dealing with your son's situation. I'm sure we all can relate to that! He must have received a really light sentence if he's already up for parole in July. I wish him the best of luck in his review. As to the letters, they want letters evidencing a good rehabilitative potential and a good character. Of course, the more closely the person has dealt with your son and the lengthier the relationship, the more credibility it will have with the board. If anyone has anecdotal evidence concerning these qualities in your son, by all means, ask them to include that in their letter. I know my son's attorney asked for letters from teachers, ministers and various other members of the community, not just from family and friends. These people are considered to have a less biased opinion and would be more likely than a family member to voice any concerns they have. As with any communication to a regulatory type entity, the more direct, the better. It would be better to have many short letters, than fewer longer ones.

I hope this helps in some way. Hang in there and keep in touch!

Lisa

Hope this helps this is what my husband's lawyer sent me.

MEMORANDUM FOR THE USAF PAROLE BOARD

FROM:WRITER'S NAME
STREET
CITY,STATE ZIP
PHONE NUMBER
SUBJECT:Character Letter for John Doe

1. In this paragraph, you will introduce yourself. Include your full name, age, and occupation. Also, include your relation if any to the person you are writing for. Additionally,if you are family, please state how long you have known me. If you are an immediate family member, and still married, please say that as well as if you are divorced.
2. In the second paragraph, talk about how long that you have known the person in the brig. What kind of impact and impression I make on you. In addition, please state how you are aware of the charges.
3. In this third paragraph talk about how you think this situation has effected you, the writer, and what impression you get on how it affects me. Do you believe that I have learned my lesson? Be honest here, by doing this you are telling the board that you are aware of my charges.
4. In the fourth paragraph, tell the board that you believe that I have the potential to succeed if released and will again become an asset to society. By doing this, it shows the board that you supporting me after rehabilitation and incarceration. State that you know this situation has inspired a change in my life and how you notice it.
5 This is the last and easiest paragraph, all you have to do is to close the letter and tell the board if they desire to contact you, your number is in the header of this letter. That is it, and this will end the letter for me.

Respectfully Submitted,

That is great!! I know that some of the people who wrote letters in support of clemency for my son would have LOVED to have had this much guidance! Thanks, Honey!!

Anything I can do to help someone else in this situation. Any more question just let me know and I will ask my husband lawyer. I know my husband's lawyer said that people that go up for parloe in July they really look at because of the money it costs the goverment.

Lisa, thanks for the welcome back. This past year has seemed endless. It's strange how situations affect you. In the beginning, I could not get enough of the information and connnections through PTO. After the trial (or sentencing, actually, since he had pled), I felt so consumed by the whole affair that at times, I found myself not even wanting to talk with my son (of course, I would not nor did not, do that):confused:. Actually, his attorney told me that he was shocked by the sentence. Thrilled of course, but very surprised. How is your son and yourself as well? I read in one of your posts that you are planning a visit soon. I hope nothing interferes and your visit goes well.

Honey, that information is invaluable. Thank you so much. As the mother, it is so hard to be objective about the situation so I appreciate very much the guidelines. Just out of curiosity, how does July parole affect the cost factor - the incarceration expense for the remainder of the year?

Thanks again,
Pam

My husband's lawyer said that when they go up for parloe in July and they get it that means in the fall they will get out. So the cost factor is for the next year. He said that they go up for parole a couple of months before they will get out. So a parole hearing in July could mean he is out by October.