Never Forgotten: Incarcerated Veterans Sew Burial Shrouds for Homeless Veterans in Arizona

Every week inside the veteran's pod at CoreCivic's Red Rock Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona, three resident veterans come together for a unique act of service. Together, they sew burial shrouds for homeless veterans, helping ensure that those who served our country are honored with dignity and respect in their final farewell. Though the work often goes unseen, each stitch reflects a commitment to remembering and honoring fellow veterans who might otherwise be forgotten.

Each shroud features patriotic fabric, often adorned with American flags or military-themed designs, backed by a solid red or blue fabric.

For the three residents, the project means much more than sewing.

"For me as a veteran, I feel like I'm still able to support and advocate for the veteran community on the outside," one participant said.

The sewing crew includes veterans who served during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Together, they produce 15 to 30 shrouds a month in a weekly three-hour sewing session.

None of the men arrived with sewing experience beyond the hand stitching and "field sewing" they learned in the military. Today, they work together to create something meaningful for veterans they will never meet.

"[The work] not only gives us a purpose in here, but it also gives us a little bit of a community within our own brotherhood," one participant said.

"All three of us have become a lot closer because we spend that extra time doing something that gives back to the forgotten veterans," another participant said.

The project began about six years ago and continues through the dedication of veteran residents and community supporters. Most of the fabric is donated through American Legion connections, and the finished shrouds are donated to help ensure homeless veterans receive proper funeral honors.

According to case manager and Air Force veteran Keith Ress, the residents are the driving force behind the effort.

"These guys, this is their project. This is their giving back," Ress said.

The sewing program reflects a larger culture of service within the veterans pod. In addition to sewing, participants serve on the pod's honor guard, take part in wellness programming and help lead special ceremonies recognizing Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Independence Day.

This year, the pod dedicated its own American Legion post at its July 4 flag ceremony.

Red Rock's veterans pod is part of CoreCivic's broader support for those who served. Red Rock is one of several CoreCivic facilities with a veterans pod, where special care for this population is offered and staff are often veterans themselves.

This Veterans Day, the three men look forward to the annual veterans barbecue and will join the pod's honor guard for a special flag ceremony.