Hello PTO Family!

My son has been assigned to the Byrd Unit in Huntsville, and has been there for 3 weeks now. Once I found, I have been mailing a letter to him everyday. I just found out yesterday, I could send him money without the deposit slip. I express mailed him some money yesterday with a guarantee of delivery today by noon. The lady on the phone said the inmates have a inmate trust account and a commissary account. When I asked, what's the difference, she stated, "none." If there isn't, then why have both?

Also, I think Ameilia posted something about the phone privileges after they are assigned to a unit. She said they can call home every 90 days for 5 minutes unless they get in trouble. Well, is there more than one phone? Does everyone have to stand in line for one phone? Can you make more than one phone call if you have to stand in line again?

How is the Byrd Unit? I haven't heard from my son in three weeks. It is driving me crazy! I called the nurse's station and she said he is still there and doing okay. She really doesn't know, huh? She asked for his #, entered it, and up pops the info on my son. I guess based on the info, she assumed he is okay. Well, I'm not! I need to know for sure that my baby is okay and no one is bothering him. I gotta go now. The tears are interferring with my sight. PEACE!!

I know how scared you are--I felt the same way when Stephen went up. I don't have any info on that particular unit but as to the phone thing--Stephen said not to expect any calls because it was just to difficult and if he could he would...also Are you able to visit him?? And as far as I know as soon as your son has money on his books he should be able to write you. How about calling the unit and asking to speak to the chaplain--explain how you are feeling and see if he can help--either by checking into more detail on your son, getting him a message from you etc...I did this tweice for Stephen -once when our little girl had an operation to let him know she was ok and then once when I hadn't heard from him in 2 weeks and the chaplain checked it out and let me know that he was alright...let me know if I can be of any help! I don't kow too muchbut I will try! Sending you a big HUG!

Thanks Amelia!

I am going to call the unit again today to see if they can get a message to him. We are planning on seeing him on Sunday. Hopefully the visit will make me feel a little better. Thanks for the hug. PEACE!

I just called the Byrd Unit and the lady told me my son is still there and is doing okay. However, no visitation is allowed while in the diagnostic unit at that facility. I am really sad. I could have sworn someone there told me my son could have visitation this weekend. I checked on the money I express mailed and it hadn't arrived yet! Is it just me or what? I guess when it rains, it pours especially over me! PEACE!!

Hi I just found out my husband will be transfered Thursday to the Byrd unit from the Holliday unit. Does anyone know what this unit is like? Cyndi how far is it for you to go see your son at this unit? And does anyone know that if they can still ahve contact visits if they have been moved from minimum security to meduim?

Hey June Bug!

My son is at the Byrd Unit for diagnostic testing and he will be transferred out from there. I was told he doesn't have visitation privileges at this facility, so I can't visit. From where we live, Huntsville is about 3 1/2 hours away. If he's transferred to a facility in Huntsville I will probably visit him 2 times a month. I am so afraid they're going to send him as far away from his family as they can. So I am praying that doesn't happen.

I don't know anything about the Byrd Unit, so when you find out something, please let me know. Sorry, I couldn't help much. Take Care!! PEACE!

I think they have to wait 30 days to have a visit once they are transferred to a regular TDC Unit. That is according to some new thing they put into effect when Billy was in Lynchner State Jail. But the TDCJ website may have more info or you could call up there and ask before he gets there. Is it closer to you? I hope so!! I know that I am not doing too good right now being away from my husband :( How long will he stay there?? I am keeping you in my thoughts & prayers!!

Hey Cyndie--himn being in a diagnostic unit doesn't mean he can'thave visitaion--Stephen was in the daignostic unit in Beeville and I saw him the second or third weekend he was there--not contact but a regular 2 hour visit--so try and double check that..I know that they can't have visits when they are being evalueated but that doesn't take that long...I was told that guys can stay in a Diag unit for as little as 2 weeks to 2 years so they MUST have visitaion! When mailing money remember that eventhough you express mail it you stillhav eto wait for the slow poke TDC workers to enter it in the computer!!

BillysAngel--I am sending you a big hug!...

ARE YOU ALL PLANNING TO COME TO THE TEXAS GET TOGETHER NEXT SUNDAY---at the Alamo in San Antonio???

Thank you!! I need one! It's been raining here in Houston (Stafford) for 4 days and isn't supposed to let up until next Monday or Tuesday so I can't drive to Huntsville to see my honey!! :argh I guess that means i'll be on the computer all day and night again -- unless I get struck by lightening!! lol

Hey Amelia-Yes, I plan on attending the get-together in San Antonio. I just need to go to MAPQUEST to get directions.

I will double check on the visitation for my son. I think he is going to be classified as a violent offender so that may have something to do with visitation at the diagnostic unit. Also, when I express mailed his funds, it was entered in the computer the very next day. I was very surprised since I heard everyone else's stories about sending money to their loved ones in TDC. On the express mail label, I signed the "waiver of signature" so the postal clerk can put the envelope in the PO box without a signature from the recipient, which is faster in my opinion.

I will keep you posted on the visitation. PEACE!!

Well, I called the Byrd Unit to verify visiting my son, and they told me my son has been transferred to the Clemens Unit, and will be there for a couple of years because of his age. The Clemens Unit is about 2-3 hours away. I am going to visit him hopefully tomorrow or Sunday. I really would like to see him tomorrow since it will be my birthday. I will keep y'all posted. PEACE!!