A Common, Ordinary Inmate’s Prison Story
It was in the early 90’s and I was a few years into a 35-year bit…
by Randy Behnke
Randy Behnke has been released
My name is Randy Behnke. I’ve been in prison since June of 1994. I will be released on January 1, 2024. I’ve come a long way and have learned many things since 1994. The big thing is life is so short and no matter where you are, a person can do something with this life and don’t waste it. I’ve made use of it in many ways. I was finally able to get clean, I have been clean and sober since October 1999, that would be around, come this October, twenty-four years (wow!). I have not smoked a cigarette since Father’s Day 2021, man! Thirteen years, two things I never thought I could do. What is so very true about this, it took this long-term incarceration to find these addictions – that controlled my whole life. Today, though, I am 62 years old. Now I possess an associate degree in liberal arts from MATC. I possess a 2-year technical degree in machine tool from MPTC. I’ve earned some smaller certifications in computer software applications while working at a prison corporation – badger state industries, I became a certified industrial sewing machine operator. I’m a tailor and a damn good one. This only touches the surface of my life experience. I wrote this short story because it haunts me quite often. The range of emotions from this one experience changed my life, if you would like to know more, just ask.
It was in the early 90’s and I was a few years into a 35-year bit…
by Randy Behnke
