Congress of the United States House of Representatives
Washington DC 2O5l5-05Ol

June 1, 1993

United States Parole Commission
U.S. P. Terre Haute
P.O. Box 33
Terre Haute, IN 47808

Re: Veronza Bowers, Jr. #35316-136

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to you regarding your parole consideration of Mr. Veronza Bowers, Jr. I have been contacted by a constituent and friend who has come into contact with Mr. Bowers due to their joint interest in the Japanese flute. My constituent, Mr. Monty Levenson, has taken a deep interest in Mr. Bowers and his workin the prison system.

I have reviewed various papers and letters regarding Mr. Bowers. I understand that he is a musician and organizer of a healing meditation group at the prison which employs the Japanese flute as part of its practice. I have also read the prison review summary prepared in 1991 and understand the gravity of the crime for whichhe is imprisoned.

I have no intention of minimizing the severity of the crime involved in this case. Nor do I wish to tell you how to make the decisions for which you are charged. But my review of these documents and conversation with Mr. Levenson indicates to me that this is a very special case. At the time of the crime Mr. Bowers was a young man, a Black Panther, and like many of us was probably caught up in the events of the time. But he appears to have made amazing progress and gained incredible maturity. He has strong support on the outside. He has spent many years in prison. He would seemto be someone eligible for favorable parole consideration.

Thank you for your consideration.

January 19, 1994

United States Parole Commission
National Commissioners
Park Place Building
5550 Friendship Blvd.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Re: Veronza Bowers, Jr. #35316-136 Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to request that you give favorable consideration to the renewed parole request of Mr. Veronza Bowers, Jr. I made a similar request to the United States Parole Commission at Terre Haute in June, 1993 and I remain convinced that Mr. Bowers isa fit subject for parole.

I learned about Mr. Bowers through a friend and constituent, Mr. Monty Levenson, who shares an interest with Mr. Bowers in playing the Japanese flute and related meditative practices. I continue to be impressed with the growth Mr. Bowers has shown within the prison system and the strong ties he has with peopleon the outside.

As much as we need to punish criminal behavior, especially violent crime, it seems equally true that at some point we should reward those who have changed their lives while in prison. There appears to be no dispute that Mr. Bowers has become a model for what we hope other prisoners could achieve. He has served a lengthyterm, ten years beyond his initial parole eligibility.

I am sure we would agree that parole should not be granted for such a serious crime, even after this lengthy time period, except in a special case. It appears from the documents I havereviewed that this is a special case. Thank you for your consideration.