The Epiphany of Courage

Wasted Honor -

Carl R. ToersBijns is the author of the Wasted Honor Trilogy [Wasted Honor I,II and Gorilla Justice] and his newest book From the Womb to the Tomb, the Tony Lester Story, which is a reflection of his life and his experiences as a correctional officer and a correctional administrator retiring with the rank of deputy warden in the New Mexico and Arizona correctional systems.

Carl also wrote a book on his combat experience in the Kindle book titled - Combat Medic - Men with destiny - A red cross of Valor -

Carl is considered by many a rogue expert in the field of prison security systems since leaving the profession. Carl has been involved in the design of many pilot programs related to mental health treatment, security threat groups, suicide prevention, and maximum custody operational plans including double bunking max inmates and enhancing security for staff. He invites you to read his books so you can understand and grasp the cultural and political implications and influences of these prisons. He deals with the emotions, the stress and anxiety as well as the realities faced working inside a prison. He deals with the occupational risks while elaborating on the psychological impact of both prison worker and prisoner.

His most recent book, Gorilla Justice, is an un-edited raw fictional version of realistic prison experiences and events through the eyes of an anecdotal translation of the inmate’s plight and suffering while enduring the harsh and toxic prison environment including solitary confinement.

Carl has been interviewed by numerous news stations and newspapers in Phoenix regarding the escape from the Kingman prison and other high profile media cases related to wrongful deaths and suicides inside prisons. His insights have been solicited by the ACLU, Amnesty International, and various other legal firms representing solitary confinement cases in California and Arizona. He is currently working on the STG Step Down program at Pelican Bay and has offered his own experience insights with the Center of Constitutional Rights lawyers and interns to establish a core program at the SHU units. He has personally corresponded and written with SHU prisoners to assess the living conditions and how it impacts their long term placement inside these type of units that are similar to those in Arizona Florence Eyman special management unit where Carl was a unit deputy warden for almost two years before his promotion to Deputy Warden of Operations in Safford and Eyman.

He is a strong advocate for the mentally ill and is a board member of David's Hope Inc. a non-profit advocacy group in Phoenix and also serves as a senior advisor for Law Enforcement Officers Advocates Council in Chino, California As a subject matter expert and corrections consultant, Carl has provided interviews and spoken on national and international radio talk shows e.g. BBC CBC Lou Show & TV shows as well as the Associated Press.

I use sarcasm, satire, parodies and other means to make you think!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, April 22, 2013

The Epiphany of Courage

The Epiphany of Courage

When I first gave the though of becoming a correctional officer I went through a series of hesitating moments that created an unsure feeling that I will never forget. I had endure many trials and tribulations throughout my years advising others and being advised on the morality of things as they presented themselves as challenges to face in your life each day. I dealt with a wide range of pain and painless emotions and issues including what were best for me and my family during a time when unemployment was high and jobs were hard to get.

Balancing the suffering and insecurities of being unemployed, I chose to fulfill a dream that many had told me “you couldn’t do it” as I experienced a jarring moment, an epiphany of courage you might say that took me down this journey that lasted over twenty five years. Slowly I had to learn all over again how to face my fears and when to take the risks that would bring me a most preferred status within myself and others.

Never lacking the physical strength to endure the anticipated fatigue and rigors of the job chosen, I had to focus on psychological strength and courage to withstand the adversities and challenges ahead. Dreaming the dream was not so elusive once I was on track towards fulfilling my personal goals and desires as my dreams transformed into realities that brought me security and happiness as I used my inner strengths to pursue them. .

The courage within my heart was sometimes daunting yet it came alive when I needed it the most to propel me into a successful state of mind that had me thinking and facing my fears while refusing to become helpless or weak for others to see or realize once my self-confidence was bolstered from within. Stabilizing my dreams, I encouraged others to take this same journey and go for all the gusto there is in life and the pursuit of happiness.

The process of learning to take risks and acting boldly is truly an awesome one. The act of giving back was given to you is even a more satisfying experience in itself. Breaking free from the chains inside your heart and head brings a wonderful freedom gives you the enthusiasm and the boldness to go wherever your heart desires as your challenge of fear is no longer a prison containing you inside a make believe box with tight reigns and boundaries to keep you from learning and giving; slowly depleting you of your energy and desires. Your courage has given you unlimited bravery with choices abound that will allow yourself to gain more about life and fulfill your most inner desires a fruitful life.