To whom it may concern:  I’d like to speak on Alejandro “Kaona”’ Rodriguez-Ortiz’s behalf.  I have come to know Mr. Ortiz over the years and have watched him grow and improve himself.  Mr. Ortiz is 36 and was imprisoned for a crime he committed while still a teenager.  He does not shy away from the fact that he was convicted for defending his family against someone who victimized his family members and received a 40-year sentence.  Mr. Ortiz recognizes that a life was lost and has dedicated his life to improving himself and giving back.  There’s not a day that goes by that he doesn’t feel remorse as he continues to challenge those around him to also be better people upon their release.  Mr. Ortiz recently lost his mother, his best friend, and was unable to attend her funeral.  He was influenced by her feminine, caring role, in his life.  In her honor he has been studying for his high school diploma.  She also wanted that for him. 

Although Mr. Ortiz feels that he has been held back by the numerous denials for requests for accredited program options due to trying to better conditions for those living within his environment, he hasn’t been deterred.  His family has paid for him to take the courses to become certified as an automotive technician.  Through the DOC’s Edovo education and rehabilitation application, Mr. Ortiz has sought out and completed over 130 certifications over the 17 years he’s been incarcerated.

Mr. Ortiz would like to return home to his family.  He has a strong family support system that will help him transition into society.  Mr. Ortiz has two sisters and a brother he has remained in contact with and who have had children while he’s been incarcerated that he hasn’t been able to communicate with.  He’d very much like to be an involved uncle and instill the caring values his mother taught him to break the cycle of violence and trauma.  He would like to become involved in his community and seek out programs and employment to be a peer support specialist to help others either coming out of prison and to prevent those from entering.  With this goal in mind, Mr. Ortiz has explored his own diagnoses and childhood trauma, seeking out therapy, currently attending groups on emotional awareness and anger management, and self-help books.  Mr. Ortiz has been preparing for his release by securing a job upon release with Marriott in Middletown as a maintenance worker while he plans to save for his own vehicle to one day have his own mobile auto shop.  Mr. Ortiz is focused and devoted to making sure the next generation does not go down the same path he lived. He will be an asset to the community.  Mr. Ortiz has been dedicated throughout his incarceration and has a renewed sense of motivation since the passing of his mother to go out into the world and help improve the lives of others wherever he can.  I highly recommend his release as soon as possible so that he can go home and help take care of his family and community.

I had originally used other words but reviewed it with my friend who works at the courthouse who offered her changes. 

Feel free to reach out any time.  Keep planting seeds of hope!