My name is Rhonda Hutson, and I am a 53-year-old mother and grandmother. My federal case is out of Abingdon, VA, where I was found guilty of conspiracy with Intent to distribute and distribute Schedule II controlled substances, namely 5 kilograms of cocaine and OxyContin. I took a plea of 20 years and was enhanced 5 more and termed a career criminal.  I have served 12 years on my 25-year sentence. A Little About My Criminal History: I was a drug user from about the age of 14, starting out smoking marijuana.  At this point I did not consider myself an addict.  As time passed with the continued recreational use, I gradually found myself becoming an addict, doing drugs seemed to dull my emotions and feelings, making it a necessity for me to "feel good."  I am proud to say as of today, I have found and maintained my sobriety now for 10 years!!!  During my imprisonment, I have found and hung on to the knowledge and tools as well as willpower to live a drug free life!  Safe to say I no longer have the need to mask my emotions or feelings. Work History: My first job was in Facilities at Hazelton SFF.  I used that job (general maintenance) to repair things in laundry, which eventually helped me get a job in laundry.  I worked in laundry for eight months.  My next job was in commissary where I worked until I transferred to FCI Aliceville in August 2013.  Once at Aliceville, I got a job in Safety and remained there 5 years until my transfer to Coleman Camp in Coleman, Florida.  I also worked as a suicide companion for 7 years. I have an abundance of knowledge of MSDS Books (Material Safety Data Sheets).  I oversaw checking the SDS of new chemicals checking for any targeted chemicals, which would mean the new chemical could not be approved.  I also handled monthly inspections of all housing units and different departments, checking fire extinguishers and SCBA tanks, receiving fire drill paperwork quarterly, receiving responses for inspections, pest control, completed duty officer’s paperwork, payroll, filing and creating new work and comp files for FBOP employees and inmates.  I handled all clerical duties, working closely with John Fallon (Safety Manager) who has since retired. Classes Completed: I have completed Introduction to Urban and Industrial (IPM) Correspondence Course from Purdue University.  I have completed all drug education classes.  I also attended a suicide prevention workshop, as well as about 25 seminars, along with 50+Ace and PC Classes, available on the computer for work at your own pace. My Accomplishments: My greatest accomplishment is to continue to live clean and sober.  I have taken over 100 classes, including my self-help classes.  I also accumulated 254 hours at SFF Hazelton Reentry Resource Center on Self-Help book/exams. I have taken 2 VT classes: Introductory Microsoft Office Suite 2007 (145 credit hours) Advanced Microsoft Office Suite 2007 (121 credit hours) I have college credits from Pierpoint Community & Technical College.  The following were a part of Administrative Assistant Degree: *Principles of management *Intro to Business *Fundamentals of Accounting *Computer Concepts and Applications *Human Relations in Business (I didn't receive the last computer class credits to complete my degree because I was transferred to FCI Aliceville for head count). Classes taken from Pierpoint Community & Technical College: *Conflict Management *Critical Thinking and Analysis for Small Business Owners *Finding Your Venture *Business Plan Development *Mentorship and Business Support Resources *Entrepreneurial Studies I have also taken Drug and Alcohol Treatment Coordinator Classes from Stratford Career Institute (correspondence course) Plans after Release: I plan on living with Christine Osborne in Bristol, TN.  She is my grandchildren great-grandmother.  She is a good Christian woman who has helped me through the loss of my mother and my husband, whom both passed way while I have been incarcerated. I own four acres of land, my home was there but has since caught on fire and not live able.  While living with Christina I will be looking for a reasonable mobile home to put on my land. My main goal will be seeking employment, preferably as a drug and alcohol counselor.  I realize I may have to volunteer first before being hired but I am determined to do what is needed to reach my goal. I have a job waiting for me once I am released from prison working as a cut person (cutting building supplies to a precise measurement) or as a ground’s woman, cleaning up debris on the ground at a construction site.  The abundance of knowledge I have learned working in Safety at FCI Aliceville has prepared me to seek opportunities in this field as well.  I purchased a home in Bristol, Tennessee, paid in full, last year to better help me be prepared for release. Closing Remarks: It is remarkable of the changes I have made in my life these last ten years being incarcerated.  I have a vast array of new skills to help better me as a woman and achieve all my goals in life.  I am willing to prove I am deserving of a second chance and I pray my actions once I am released will show others anyone is capable of change!  I sincerely thank you for your time and the opportunity to speak on my behalf! Thank you kindly, Rhonda Hudson

My name is Rhonda Hudson