UNMASKING THE ISCC MASKMAKERS

written and posted by Jeff Epperson

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What do you get when you give 10 inmates a bunch of material, five sewing machines, and a few pair of scissors (that have been secured to the table of course).

How about 10,000 masks! *and counting*

Albert Ciccone, the brainchild of this idea, saw the need for masks and went to work. It wasn't long before his idea turned into a plan, and then into action. Soon, all of the correctional facilities in Idaho were making masks. But if you ask us, we here at I.S.C.C. make the finest masks.

Let me tell you about this band of misfits that have come together to give back to our community. We are a diverse group of men that have risen to the challenge of taking an idea and turning it into a reality. Every one of us jumped at the opportunity to volunteer for this project. We saw the need for masks here in the facility, as well as the ongoing need in our community.

First let me introduce you to Albert Ciccone. Al is the Post Commander of American Legion ISCC Post 201 and is taking a break from his full-time job in the Braille Transcription Center to manage this band of misfits. "When society has a need, help can come from any citizen. Just because I'm incarcerated for the rest of my life, it doesn't mean my life has no value. I give to strangers out of a desire to help with absolutely no ulterior motives. I can have a personal sense of completeness by being an active participant in society through charity."

Ryan Harrell is a Squadron Commander with Sons of The American Legion ISCC Squadron 201, and works all day making masks. After his day of mask making, he goes to work in the Braille Transcription Center. He has mastered the art of pleating and pinning in our group, an accomplishment I am sure he will want on his tombstone. "This pandemic goes beyond these walls. It is not an inmate issue or a guard issue, it's a people issue. In a time like this we have to come together for our mutual wellbeing and do what has to be done in our collective time of need."

Jose Garcia has been a long-time employee in the laundry department and his sewing skills have been an excellent addition to our group. "It does not matter what race you are, or what background you come from, when there is a crisis like the one we are facing we can all come together for the common good."

Michael Schwindt is the First Vice Commander of American Legion ISCC Post 201. He is taking time off from managing Operation Kickstand, which is a project here that receives bikes from the Boise Bike Project and refurbishes them to be donated to kids in need. Mike is our Quality Control guy and spends his day telling us all where we screwed up ... and making sure that every mask that leaves ISCC is perfect and accounted for. "After getting out of the military I spent most of my time taking from society. It is nice to have the opportunity to give back".

Maurico Cando has worked as a baker here at ISCC for many years before he came to be in our group. When he is not pressing all our patterns, he is on the soccer field defending his team's honor. "I am happy to be of service to others, and to my community through this time of need. It feels good to be able to give back".

Michael is a sewing machine master and keeps us all entertained with his life lessons and music trivia. As a musician, Mike keeps the room alive with all kinds of music and funky dance moves. "In times of struggle it is my belief that we, as a community of people, have the ability and responsibility to be kind to one another, no matter what our situation in life."

Max Gorringe is the Vice Commander of The Sons of the American Legion ISCC Squadron 201. Max loves to shoot people ... with a camera that is. He has been the photographer of choice to many of our residents. He is responsible for cutting and color matching our patterns. "I have caused great damage to the community in the past. It is rare that we get an opportunity to give back. I am so grateful that IDOC has entrusted me with such a great responsibility."

Mike Hadcock is a member of The Sons of the American Legion ISCC Squadron 201. He is known for his skills as an artist and finds the work meaningful. "As an inmate incarcerated for 17 years now, it is easy to get stuck, and succumb to the image that society has portrayed us as. We get told that we have no value any longer, and that we are a disgrace to our families and communities. And then a need arises, such as the one created by Covid-19, and individuals such as myself, are among the first to step up and volunteer to help - not just to help fellow inmates, but also correctional staff, and even the communities at large."

Timothy Riley is a member of The Sons of the American Legion ISCC Squadron 201. He stays active volunteering for the Sage Brush Project where he plants and cultivates sage brush. In our group Tim keeps himself busy by sewing and helping out with all other projects. "I am honored to be given this opportunity to give back and help others. I have had a lot of time to think about the changes I have needed in my life, being a part of this process gives me the ability to practice the changes I have made."

And then there is me Jeffrey Epperson, my contribution to the group is sewing. And my sparkling personality, depending on who you ask. My focus outside of this group is being a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. As a member of A.A. I am always looking for a way to give back and be of service to others. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity we have been given here.

To have a chance to help our community and to have our ideas and efforts be valued by IDOC Administration is a progressive way to have incarcerated citizens take an active role in their own rehabilitation. To be treated as a member of the community that is heard, rather than dismissed, is restorative to our self-esteem. This is crucial to a person's successful re-integration into society.

In this security-driven environment, we were afforded the opportunity to develop and implement our own work processes to achieve the goal of providing masks to the staff and inmates of ISCC. We have been so successful, that we are now empowered to make masks for those most in need in our surrounding communities.

With the tireless support of A.S.M. Rhonda Owens, M.A. Kristina Waldran, Sgt. Janalee Biladeau, and Officer Mixon, our team has been able to overcome challenges in our operations. From enabling us to fix our own machines on-site and by staying ahead of our multiple supply needs, they have masterfully prevented any work stoppages.

This innovative approach to management comes from strong leadership. Director Josh Tewalt, Deputy Director Bree Danner, Chief of Prisons Chad Page, and the staunch support of ISCC Warden Jay Christensen have repeatedly addressed our needs and seamlessly implemented policies to facilitate not only the mask production and sanitation of our facility, they have provided multiple improvements to our quality of life. This has maintained morale during this time of increased isolation.

Our genuine gratitude goes out to these leaders from Governor Brad Little, all the way to those within IDOC working to continue to provide not only for the safety and security of those incarcerated and the community at large, but for the care of all of our physical and mental well-being.

Thank you.