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The skills he taught me helped me successfully rise to the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer in a first response unit.

Every time my core values, patience and discipline kick in, I reflect on my Grandad, Ensign Shadwick Brown (WWII Veteran of the US Navy, who instilled those values in me as a child. He has always been my inspiration and someone I looked up to. The skills he taught me helped me successfully rise to the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer in a first response unit. As I navigated my way through Operation Desert Storm, far from U.S. soil for six months at a time, I could hear the strong voice of my late shipmate and grandfather during bittersweet moments, reminding me to keep fighting for the country I love and to make it home safely. Upon returning, I was awarded Distinguished Service Awards, which my family and I deeply value and are proud of. Whatever you’re fighting for, pursue it with passion, patience, and discipline.

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Every month, a physical envelope arrives at your door, postmarked from San Quentin Village, California. Inside, you will find original artwork, writing, and recipes from real contributors, along with a personal letter from me, Diane Kahn, founder of Humans of San Quentin, about the people who made them. You read it. You keep it.

Every piece comes from someone serving a sentence. Every piece reminds you they are so much more than that.

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