Tennessee’s first incarcerated veterans American Legion Post chartered at CoreCivic’s South Central Correctional Center

Tennessee’s First Incarcerated Veterans American Legion Post Chartered at CoreCivic’s South Central Correctional Center
Reinforcing their service this Veterans Day, Post 295 shows that incarceration doesn’t diminish veterans’ dedication to country and community.

CLIFTON, Tenn. – November 9, 2025 – In a first for Tennessee, U.S. military veterans incarcerated at CoreCivic’s South Central Correctional Center in Clifton have established Post 295, an American Legion chapter inside the facility. 

Calling themselves the “South Central Incarcerated Veterans,” Post 295 officially chartered on August 4 and currently operates with 17 members, each holding an elected leadership position within the chapter. 

Post 295 is the first active American Legion Post within the Tennessee Department of Correction system. 

Like all American Legion chapters, Post 295 is held to the same standards and structure, requiring leadership roles to be filled, annual membership dues paid, membership meetings held, and efforts made to support the local community. 

“It is very important, not just for those who have served in the military, but for everyone, to remember that no matter what these gentlemen may have done to require their stay in prison, they were still willing to put their lives on the line for our country and should be afforded the respect earned,” said Renee Lutz, South Central case manager and Post 295 chapter advisor. 

Lutz, a member of American Legion Post 130 in Waynesboro, Tennessee and an Army veteran who served eight years, oversees the chapter and helped the post hold their first official meeting on September 24, complete with a color guard presentation — a powerful symbol of respect and camaraderie for veterans. 

“A three-year-long journey was undertaken by staff to provide these new Legionnaires with the tools needed to remember their missions as veterans,” said Lutz. “Much like the world outside of prison, members of the military expect themselves to lead by example and mentor those around them.”

South Central Legion members have wasted no time putting their time and skills to good work, engaging in meaningful activities to support the local community, such as crochet donations and leatherworking projects. 

Members of Post 295 will wear distinct uniforms that feature their American Legion association, including the signature American Legion hat embroidered with their city, state, and post number. 

The post’s mission statement, developed by its members, captures the aim of this unique chapter: Serving each other, our brothers and sisters, our families, and our communities while serving our time. 

“Within the prison walls, it is crucial to demonstrate the leadership needed to show other residents a different way of conducting themselves despite their circumstances,” said Lutz. “We’ve seen a renewed sense of self-worth in these gentlemen, which is essential not only for their time here, but also for their successful return to society.” 

Post 295 is redefining service this Veterans Day, proving that even while incarcerated, U.S. veterans find a way to carry out duty, honor, and devotion to their communities and country. 

To support the Post 295 efforts, South Central Correctional Center has arranged for outside donations to be accepted through a dedicated bank account. Every dollar raised by Post 295 will benefit its chosen philanthropy, the Butterfly Foundation, a Waynesboro, Tennessee-based organization focused on supporting children and their families impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

About CoreCivic
CoreCivic is a diversified, government-solutions company with the scale and experience needed to solve tough government challenges in flexible, cost-effective ways. We provide a broad range of solutions to government partners that serve the public good through high-quality corrections and detention management, a network of residential and non-residential alternatives to incarceration to help address America’s recidivism crisis, and government real estate solutions. We are the nation’s largest owner of partnership correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities, and one of the largest prison operators in the United States. We have been a flexible and dependable partner for government for over 40 years. Our employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to help government better the public good. Learn more at www.corecivic.com.

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