Dear Grassfire team,

I wanted to take a few moments to update everyone about “Nacho” and the wonderful support he is feeling from all who are writing him. Nacho has been so moved by the many letters, cards, and notes that he has been receiving from so many Grassfire team members.

He has sent me many of the letters people write him expressing how they have really touched his heart. He feels like he has been adopted by so many wonderful people that continue to write and lift his spirits. Nearly every day he receives prayers, jokes, paperback books, and even pictures. What he often asks me for though is updated information because as everyone knows he does not have television privileges or phone with the exception of his one call every 30 days, so it is difficult to keep up with daily news unless it is mailed to him.

I would ask for a favor; if by chance you come across a good article please feel free to send it his way. He would love to know what is happening daily. I try to send him as much as I can, but there are only so many hours in the day. In fact, I rarely get a chance to sit and read the paper or watch the news myself.

I sent a package to him today (May 9), from the kids that was so creative. They sent him three really nice photos. One photo was of the sun... one of the moon, and one of the stars. My middle son said, “Since daddy can't go outside and enjoy the sun, moon and stars, the pictures will help him to enjoy them inside". He also made some playing cards out of paper which I hope the prison will allow Nacho to receive--after all they are just paper.

I do have an update about the case that I wanted to share. Our appeal will be due soon and of course the time frame we are looking at from the day it's filed to the day we get a response will put us probably sometime close to the end of the year and or well into next year. It has already been quite difficult to cope with the fact that my husband is incarcerated, but as time passes I’m losing hope that he will be released during the lengthy appeal process. We are preparing for him to complete his 12 month and 1 day sentence he received on the first counts and then will begin his mandatory 10 year sentence that he received for the 924 (c) (3) count.

Coming to grips with this and the sad realization that he may not come home has been absolutely heart wrenching for my children and me. I am hoping and praying that he will soon be transferred to a location where he does not suffer the punitive consequences by being in segregation; although we have been told it is for his safety. I’m also to thankful that so many Grassfire friends are working so hard to build support for Duncan Hunter’s bill to pardon my husband and Mr. Compean. Steve Elliott wrote in one of the updates that he believed this was the best chance to free them, and short of a miracle, I agree. I have so much more to share, but I will save it for another day. Thank you for adopting us into your family. We so appreciate all of you. Thank you. Thank you.

Monica

+ + +
Nacho's address:
Ignacio Ramos #58079-180
FCI Yazoo City Medium Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 5888
Yazoo City, MS 39194