Newsletter 2nd Quarter 2025 July

Written By Guest User

OPERATION VICTORY: Giving our veterans a second chance

For too long, our nation's incarcerated veterans have faced a silent crisis upon release from prison. With over 100,000 veterans incarcerated and a staggering recidivism rate of 68% within 3-5 years, it's clear the system is failing them. These are men and women who honorably served our country, yet find themselves trapped in a cycle of re-offense and despair.

The problem is critical: Without proper support, our veterans are left without the tools or community to successfully reintegrate into society, leading to broken families, unfulfilled lives, and a continued strain on our communities.

A Clear Path Forward: Introducing Operation Victory!

Effective June 30th, Damascus Reentry Inc., Division of Institutions, launched Operation Victory – a groundbreaking initiative designed to break this cycle. We're partnering with the Florida Department of Corrections, The GEO Group, and Community Partners to provide comprehensive pre- and post-release programs and services specifically for incarcerated veterans at the South Bay and Martin Correctional Facilities.

Our bold goal? To reduce recidivism rates by 50% or more.

We're not just hoping for change; we're building a proven plan:

  • Tailored Programs: Providing essential life skills, vocational training, and spiritual guidance.

  • Community Support: Connecting veterans with vital resources and a supportive network upon release.

  • Expert Guidance: Led by our newly appointed Advisory Board, comprised of distinguished leaders dedicated to this mission, including:

  • Chris Cairns: US Army Chaplain (Major retired), now chaplain for Missio Mosaic, Anglican Mission Society.

  • Christian Cochran: Florida State Director for Right On Crime, US Army Reservist, Wounded Warrior Fellow.

  • Clinton Cowley: Founder & CEO, Sundial Advisors, an organization committed to philanthropy, advocacy, and social impact.

  • Cliff Barber: Founder & CEO, Fillmore Linen Service, dedicated to uplifting marginalized members of our society.

  • Tony Davis: Founder & CEO of Quantus IT Solutions and American Digital Memories, US Air Force Veteran, previously incarcerated.

  • Mark Inch: Consultant, Major General (ret.), former Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections.

  • Christine Marallen: Founder & Chief Strategy Officer for Damascus Reentry Inc., Past President of the American Catholic Correctional Chaplains Association.

  • Pat Nolan: Director Emeritus, American Conservative Union Foundation’s Nolan Center for Justice.

This is just the beginning. We envision expanding Operation Victory to other states and correctional facilities, equipping and supporting more of our military veterans. As Jack Cowley, National Director of Damascus Reentry Inc., Division of Institutions, says, "Simply stated, it is the Right Thing To Do!"



Join The Victory Crew: Be a Part of Their Second Chance!

This critical mission cannot succeed without you. You have a unique opportunity to directly impact the lives of these brave men and women who served our nation.

When a veteran joins Operation Victory, they commit to transforming their lives, taking responsibility for past actions, making amends, and learning how to become a valuable asset to their community upon release.

Being a member of The Victory Crew means recognizing that they deserve a second chance and actively joining us through Praying, Giving, or Going.





Meet Suzanne Brown, a shining example of a Victory Crew Member from San Francisco. 

  • Praying: Sue participates in our ongoing weekly corporate prayer calls, providing vital spiritual support for current operations and addressing specific requests.

  • Giving: Her consistent monthly financial contributions help provide Operation Victory with the resources to meet essential needs.

  • Going: Sue volunteers weekly at California’s San Quentin State Prison, providing the Alpha Course and other crucial curricula.

You can make a difference, just like Sue!

Three Ways You Can Empower a Veteran's Victory:

Your involvement is crucial to giving these veterans the second chance they deserve.

1. Praying:

Join our dedicated Operation Victory Prayer Call on the fourth Tuesday of each month at noon Eastern Time (11:00 a.m. CT, 9:00 a.m. PT), starting in August. These calls provide focused prayer for the success of our veterans and the expansion of the program.

2. Giving:

Your financial support directly fuels our programs and services, providing the resources veterans need to rebuild their lives.

  • Important: Once on the platform, please indicate your monthly gift amount. In the drop-down box, select "Division of Institutions." In the "Comments" box, type "The Victory Crew" to ensure your gift supports this vital initiative.

3. Going:

Whether you're considering a "boots-on-the-ground" volunteer opportunity or are already involved and wish to collaborate, we want to hear from you!

Contact Jack Cowley at jack.cowley@teamdamascus.com. He'll be delighted to discuss your interests and share specific ways you can get involved.

A Family Affair: Restoring Connections, Rebuilding Lives

Meet Gregg Bergersen, Damascus Division of Institutions Coordinator-Houston, and Prison Prayer Course Coordinator at Grace Fellowship Church, Katie, TX

Beyond individual transformation, Damascus Reentry, Inc. understands the profound impact of incarceration on families. As Gregg Bergersen knows firsthand, maintaining and reuniting family relationships are crucial for successful re-entry.

Gregg, himself formerly incarcerated, coordinates Alpha and other courses in 11 prisons in the Houston area. He recently facilitated a powerful "Alpha Holy Spirit Saturday" at the Stringfellow Unit, where 122 guests and volunteers witnessed family members who had been separated for years being joyfully reunited.

This powerful example underscores that "effective incarceration" isn't just about confinement; it's about providing meaningful opportunities that enhance the quality of life for both the incarcerated and their families after release. Thank you, Gregg and Team, for creating these vital opportunities.


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Newsletter 1st Quarter 2025 April