Web-only: Best option is military
by Marc D. Allan Sep 16, 2008
“Lockup: Pendleton Juvenile Extended Stay”
11 p.m. Saturdays (Sept. 27, Oct. 4 & 11)
MSNBC
Normally, most of us wouldn't wish prison or the military on anyone. But when you're in prison, and your best option is the military, well, that's an entirely different story.
And that is the story of John Madden, the rosy-cheeked 18-year-old who emerges as the "star" of “Lockup: Pendleton Juvenile Extended Stay,” the latest stellar juvenile-justice documentary from Indianapolis filmmaker Karen Grau.
In this three-part documentary, Grau, who's made her name nationally by taking cameras into places few of us have ever seen — juvenile courts and prisons — brings us back for a third look inside the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility, the address of 300 of Indiana's most notorious young offenders.
That's where we meet Madden, who looks like a young version of actor Kevin Connolly from “Entourage” and talks like Eminem's little brother. Madden confesses sheepishly that he's spent his 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th birthdays inside the razor-wire-enclosed lockup. But he's been participating in the Future Soldier Program and hopes to get out and join the military.
As you'll see in the totally compelling first hour, that's not as easy as it sounds. For one thing, Madden has to prove that he deserves to be released. Then he has to pass an exam. Then — toughest of all — he has to be out of lockup for a minimum of 30 days before he can enlist.
Thirty days sounds like nothing, but when you come from a gang- and drug-infested neighborhood, it's more than ample time to find new trouble. Madden doesn't share much about his crimes or his background, but he tells us most of what we need to know when he talks about how he doesn't want to follow in the footsteps of his father, who's been in and out of prison.
I won't tell you how his story ends, but I can pretty well guarantee that you'll be rooting for the kid.
Madden's story is the dominant one in the first part of “Lockup,” which also gives us a look at counselors trying to calm down crazed teens and guards performing a harrowing "cell extraction," rushing in to subdue an inmate who may be about to do himself harm.
"Juveniles are much more challenging and much more frustrating on a daily basis," Pendleton Superintendent Mike Dempsey says.
Watch “Lockup” and you'll see just how much of an understatement that really is.
Comments on Web-only: Best option is military
Proud of John Madden, Love the Military
by A US Army Soldier | Oct 11, 2008
John, as a 14 year veteran, I must say how proud I am of you. I watched the program. You have an amazing future ahead. Please ignore comments from naysayers who have never had the courage to serve. We serve so that they can freely express those views...and we would not have it any other way. I hold an advanced graduate degree, a great civilian career, several options and live a pretty comfortable life;a life that this great country gave to me and I honor those opportunities by serving as a Army Reserve Soldier. I am proud of you John, I see you as a future Sergeant Major or more. Keep the faith, you are an amazing role model to other young people. You can do anything you set your mind to - don't ever give up. God bless you and keep you safe.
Report this comment
re: wouldn't wish the military on anyone?
by Irvingtonian | Sep 24, 2008
Hey, I was in the Navy from 99 to 03 and I always compare it with serving hard time. The psychology was strikingly similar.
Report this comment
Contact Info
by John Madden | Sep 19, 2008
If anyone would like to get ahold of me, my e-mail address is trip1990@yahoo.com
Report this comment
Only Option?
by John Madden | Sep 19, 2008
I appreciate all the support that I've recieved since I've been out and I can't lie. The good review did something for my morale. However, I have to point out one fault with the recap of my story. The military wasn't my only option, and it most definitely is not as cumbersome as Mr. Allen made it sound. I'm proud to be a soldier, and now that I'm enlisted, I couldn't imagine it any other way. You see, the military was not an escape for me. If I wanted an escape, I have family in georgia that are very well to do that I could've called upon and could have easily became a regular hard-working civilian. No. Being a soldier has been a dream of mine since I were asked what I wanted to be when I grow up. You know what I'm talking about; it's pretty much the first essay a child writes in grade school. The Future Soldiers Program didn't give me a way out; it gave me a way in. A way to achieve a goal I've had since I was a child. I'm proud to be a soldier for this great country and an upstanding member of society. It's not a burden in the least. Rather a way to unload the burden I've carried all throughout my teenage years.
Report this comment
Wouldn't wish the military on anyone?
by Jack The Ripple | Sep 17, 2008
I find it amusing yet not at all amazing that your opening sentence relegates serving in the armed forces as the equal to inprisonment. It would be interesting to have all those who write for NUVO to share their personal reflections on their own military service in some future Veterans Day issue. I'm sure it would prove to be a very slender example of this not so noble publication. Marc, your dated views on service to our country announces your age and questionable views.
Report this comment
Post a comment
John Madden
5 Comments
Email to a friend
Printer-friendly
Digg this
