My Story
Jesse Suhanec
I am a U.S. Army Ranger Veteran. I’m also incarcerated in a Washington State prison. Before my arrival, I believed that our justice system was infallible. It was only after I found myself in jail did I realize that it is not.
Before my arrest I never concerned myself with the conditions of our country’s prisons and jails nor the treatment of its inmates. In my mind, I wasn’t a bad person and I believed with certainty that I was never going to get arrested.
However, what I thought would never be my problem is now my daily life. This blog is my attempt to share the experience of incarceration to thereby expose certain undeniably cruel and degrading prison conditions and shine a light on the abuse and mistreatment of inmates, as well as illustrate the need for criminal justice reform.
My intention is to give myself, and others who are in prison, a voice. Through my writing, I hope to show you that we, the incarcerated, are human beings with human stories. We have families, friends and loved ones. And we have hopes, dreams and goals – like you.
Military Service
Accomplishments
Infantryman
Airborne School
Ranger Assessment and Selection Program
Ranger School
Unit Armor
Service in Afghanistan 2013
Service in Afghanistan 2015
Honors & Awards
Ranger Tab
Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
NATO Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Expert Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Army Service Ribbon
WHY HEATHEN’S VOX?
I am a Heathen. During my time in Ranger Regiment, I was assigned to a squad whose nickname was “The Heathens.” Hence, the title and symbol are references to my military service. The word “vox” literally means voice. By continuing to call myself a Heathen I am declaring that, despite being incarcerated, I am still in the fight.