Time For The Tryons To Rally!!
Steve And Family Need Your Help
I got the following email from Gaylord:

On Wednesday, December 20, Steve's attorney and I met with Governor 
Vilsack's legal assistant to present a formal application for 
commutation of a life sentence.  This action will start the long and 
drawn out process of requesting consideration from Governor Vilsack 
and a hearing before the Iowa Board of Parole to have Steve's life 
sentence commuted to a lesser sentence.  (Anyone serving a life 
sentence has to have their sentence commuted to a lesser term in 
order to someday be considered for parole.  Right now, Steve is not 
eligible for parole.)

One significant part to this process is to be able to demonstrate 
there is considerable family support to have Steve's life sentence 
commuted to a lesser term.  We desperately need the help of family 
and friends in this regard.  We would like to have as many supportive 
letters as possible that we can present to Governor Vilsack and the 
Iowa Board of Parole.  We need these letters no later than January 20 
(dad's birthday).  Please send your letters to me (Gaylord Tryon, PO 
Box 265, Johnston, Iowa 50131).  But, please address your letter to:
Ms. Elizabeth Robinson, Chair
Iowa Board of Parole
420 Watson Powell, Jr. Way
Des Moines, IA 50309

Some points to consider in your letter:
1.  Note your relationship to Steve (e.g., uncle, cousin, friend, etc.)
2.  Focus your attention on some of the points we have emphasized (in 
our visits with the Governor's legal assistant and the chairperson of 
the Iowa Board of Parole)  why Steve's sentence should be commuted.  
For example:
a.  Steve has been a model inmate--designated as an "honor lifer."
b.  He has admitted his crime and is aware of the seriousness of the 
offense.  Steve has been very remorseful for his crime and has turned 
his life around.
c.  Steve has already been incarcerated 19 years.
d.  He has paid all costs associated with his crime.
e.  While incarcerated, Steve has taken advantage of programs that 
have helped him to become a better person.
f.  He has written and published two pamphlets entitled "After 
Treatment" and "Lessons Learned About Addiction" that he hopes others 
have found helpful in dealing with their substance abuse problems.
g.  Steve has earned his GED while incarcerated and has been 
employed at various jobs--developing his skills and talents in 
woodworking and artistry.
h.  Steve has volunteered his time on several occasions--including 
the construction of a handball court.
h.  Steve has a strong family support system in place.

Requesting a hearing before the Iowa Board of Parole is a major 
decision (and risk) for Steve.  If he gets a hearing, and is denied 
commutation, he has to wait ten more years to request another hearing 
before the Iowa Board of Parole.

Also, there is a considerable backlog of requests for commutations.  
At the very best, his hearing will be not be considered for another 
year or so.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks much for your help.

Gaylord

P.S. We would like to have these letters by January 20.  The letters 
do not have to be lengthy--short and to the point will be just fine.