Just wanted to share with everyone - I am sooo happy! (cross post)

I got good news!! I got the phone call today saying I am approved!! :D

I ended up using the form online since the mail is so slow for him to send it to me. I also included a very sweet, handwritten 4 page letter explaining the situation for me to drive 8+ hours, I am his only visitor, girlfriend, trying to run his business while he is gone, limited phone contact, etc. etc. I sent the letter monday and on Thursday I got the call saying I was approved!! WOW! I wasnt on a visitor list before. When he was in Kansas (tiny county jail) the place was so small I just went in and talked to the Captain and asked if I could visit even though I wasnt immediate family. Didnt have any problems. Visiting there was only for 30 minutes, thru a small glass window with a phone. UGH! 2 hr drive for 1/2 hour visit.
I am so grateful they approved me this fast. Makes me want to send a 'thank you' letter. lol

Ohhh and I cant wait to get that first kiss after all this time!! I could just melt thinking about it!
* (you can still hug/kiss/hold hands if he is in the SHU cant you?) :eek: They dont keep you seperated do they?

I am going to use up all the points in this one visit - not sure when I will be able to get back there again since the drive is so far. I am coming from Nebraska. So I will see him thurs, fri, sat, sun and monday.

* anyone know of a CHEAP hotel in/near El Reno?? I will end up staying 5-6 nights.

* whats it like for visitation? I was told its regular visitation just have to leave by 2:30 instead of 3 - is this correct?? Is overcrowding an issue on the weekends?? I am driving 8+ hours from Nebraska - I would hate to get there and then have to leave!!

* are they overly picky about clothing? shoes? jewlery? Should I just play it safe the first time in and wear casual clothes? Do you all 'dress up' ? Any specifics I should know about?

* Any other advice for a first time visitor???

I am overly nervous and excited at the same time! Can you tell?? :)

I would definitely call the FCI and make sure on those visiting times because we had a friend in the SHU there and I remember his wife telling me the days were different. That may have been cause he was in the SHU from the camp but I would hate for you to drive all that way and be told you cant visit. I know there is a motel 6 there in el reno. There are also a couple of small motels that dont look too bad from the outside. Not sure on the inside. As far as the rest of questions go sorry I can't be of more help but I visit at the camp and I know its different there cause they have more freedom. You might also check into motels/hotels in Yukon, OK as it is about 15 minutes down the road from el reno and may have a better rate on motels. If you have any other Okla specific questions I can help as I live here and am at el reno every weekend for visit.

Hi, my man is currently being held by Feds in Newton, KS, but could possibly be sent to El Reno camp if convicted. He was wondering if they are allowed to smoke there, how much they can make when they go to work? Also, I am currently on probation. If we are legally married and have a child together will they let me visit him? I've heard that the camp is nice. He may also go to the camp at Leavenworth. If we are lucky he will come home. Any help with these questions will be much appreciated...thanx.... :-))

Sorry no smoking there. Not to say that it doesn't happen but you get in trouble if you are caught. I think they make around $0.17 an hour. It depends on the facility and the counselor on whether or not you will be approved for visits. Unfortunately, your going to have to wait till he gets where he is going to find out on that one. The camp is really nice. A lot better than most places as far as visits go.