About Don Kirchner

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Don was raised with four sisters by a career U.S. Army officer and his wife. Graduating from high school in Greely, Colorado in 1965, he attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where he studied Business Administration and Pre-Law. Joining the U.S. Army in 1969, Don graduated from the U.S. Army Helicopter Flight School in Savannah, Georgia and completed a tour of duty in Viet Nam as a Chief Warrant Officer and combat helicopter pilot.

Most of Don’s adult career has been involved in sales, marketing and small business development. In addition to owning his own restaurant and providing essential marketing efforts in the successful launching and expansion of businesses in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico, he has worked for twenty-five years as a freelance writer and marketing consultant.

Convicted in 1981 for his involvement with a marijuana smuggling operation in New Mexico, Don earned unprecedented commendations for his work in prison with other inmates and for establishing prisoner selfhelp and educational programs in several institutions. He also won the support of such notable authorities as the late Senator Barry S. Goldwater, Senator John McCain, and numerous other leaders in state and federal legislatures, as well as Departments of Corrections and Justice.

His first-hand experiences with inmates of all ages in federal prison inspired Don to address the desperate need for a support system for inmates upon release from prison. Within six months of his own release from federal prison in April of 1988, Don founded The Society for Return to Honor as an Arizona nonprofit corporation to facilitate the reentry of former criminal offenders back into society.

Don lectures and writes extensively on the subjects of social reform, human redemption and overcoming adversity, has published numerous letters, essays and short stories, and is currently self-publishing a book for writers and artists on the subject of turning creative passions into business.

He has two grown sons, a daughter and granddaughter, and currently lives in Sedona, Arizona.

I feel your thoughts for juvenile justice programs have merit and commend you for the initiative shown in creating this proposal.
Barry Goldwater, United States Senator

The purpose of this letter is to express my appreciation for the assistance that you have been rendering the residents at the Bernalillo County Detention Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico. During the period of you incarceration, you have served as a tutor/counselor for numerous other residents in a sincere effort to help them prepare for better education and improve themselves.
Michael F. Hanrahn, Director, Bernalillo County Detention Center

I was impressed with the events in your personal life and the decisions you have made that brought you to this point. It is rare that an individual such as yourself, who has experienced the dangerous and destructive sides of drug trafficking, is able to re focus one’s life into a positive contribution to society.
Craig N. Chretien, Former #3, Head of DEA

My sincerest appreciation for your continuing work and effort toward educating the public about incarceration, recidivism and re-entry issues. I have been re-energized by your efforts and dedication to continue development of transition programs and projects designed to successfully assist those incarcerated to re-enter society as law abiding and productive citizens.
John J. Spearman, Assistant Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections

2006 Publicity Campaign
• 10-city author tour
• National television and radio publicity
• National print publicity
• Online publicity

Movie Production
• Film development contract in place
• Screenplay being developed
• Film production capital assured