John,
John is a proud dad of three, and he knows how special today can be to celebrate the father figures in your life. That's why this year, in honor of Father's Day, our team wanted to do something a little different by sharing the stories of Lee and Dennis Horton.
Dennis and Lee are two Field Organizers on our team who are celebrating their first Father's Day at home with their families after serving nearly 30 years of a life sentence for a crime they didn't commit. Their life sentences were commuted earlier this year by Governor Wolf after John, in his role as Chair of the PA Board of Pardons, fought hard for their release.
Please take a moment to read their words below. Then, we invite you to directly reply to this email with a few words about why you're with John in the fight for second chances.
From Lee:
Father's Day is a very special day to me, and this year it has significant meaning. When I was convicted and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, it was the worst day of my life. The first thought that crossed my mind was how would my beloved wife raise our four kids alone. At that time, my goal was to be a dedicated father, a thoughtful protector, and intentional provider — love, care, discipline, education, more love, hugs, kisses, more discipline, church, vacations and a lot of communication is what I wanted to give my children.
That all changed on May 31, 1993 when I was arrested. Although I was innocent and had no control over being sent to prison, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had let my family down, especially my children. I hated the idea of being an absent father, and I definitely never wanted to be a statistic. But there I was in prison serving a life sentence.
After a few months of feeling sorry for myself, I decided that prison bars would not bar my ability to be a dad to my four kids. So I became a father through letters, phone calls, and visits. As a result, I was able to participate in raising my children. I told my wife, against her protest, to never send me any money because I did not want to take anything away from my children. Instead I sent money home when I could, especially at Christmas and on birthdays. I stayed in touch, remained in their lives, and have never been considered anything other than dad. Nevertheless, Father's Day for me always came with a little depression and sadness.
This year, however, I approach Father's Day with joy and happiness. Not in my wildest imagination did I ever believe that I would be home and able to celebrate Father's Day with my kids. They are all grown but nevertheless still my babies, I love them and feel so very honored to be their father. For me, being home on Father's day with my children is what second chances are all about.
— Lee Horton
From Dennis:
What gives anyone the right to take away my seconds, my minutes and my hours? 27 years and 10 months is what was taken away from my father. I remember the first time my father came to the prison to visit with my brother Lee and I. He had a look on his face that I will never forget for as long as I live. Pain, confusion, and helplessness. His emotions were so clear that my eyes could see clear into his soul.
My father is the type of man that keeps his feelings close to the vest, but on this day there was no hiding or denying them. One look at his sons chained, caged, and in utter despair broke him down into tears as it would any loving father. How did this happen, why did this happen and what went wrong? The country my father believed in, served honorably, and fought for in war had declared his sons public enemy number one. His expression said, where did I go wrong and how have I failed my sons? Which couldn’t be farthest from the truth. My father guided us as best as any father could, he was an example of hard work, respect for others, honesty, and playing by the rules so you might go far in this world.
Despite his positive examples and life lessons to live by, it was inevitable that my brother and I would be stolen, taken away, and walked slowly through a door of no return and my father could do nothing but watch. America's shameful history of its sinful past — unresolved racial issues and discriminatory practices — persist and continue to be just as impactful today as it was almost 30 years ago.
Although in despair, depressed, and heart broken my father never gave up on his two sons. When everyone else was saying to him, "Lee, there is nothing you can do, move on and live your life," his steadfast support and love would say, yes we can. Despite the uphill mountain we had to climb to Freedom, my father never lost hope. For a lot of years he carried the hope for Lee and I when we couldn't. He came to visit us, sent us money, supported our journey of transformation and was sitting in the front row at any event or big moment that showed his sons in a positive light. And he would say to anyone who would listen, "My sons were put on this planet to do big things. And those are my boys." In 2019, when my brother and I were denied Clemency, my father refused to give up, or give in and a look of hope and determination on his face inspired John Fetterman and countless other supporters to stay the course until his sons were eventually freed.
Thank you Dad for the life lessons of your journey with us through what could have been the door of no return. We may have been stolen for 27 years and 10 months, but because of your love, commitment, and steadfast support our legacy lives on. Happy Fathers Day, Dad. I love you.
— Dennis Horton
Thanks for reading these personal Father's Day stories from Lee and Dennis, who we're so proud and honored to work alongside on this campaign every day. John and this entire campaign have always believed in the incredible power of second chances, and today is no exception. If you have your own story about why you're in support of second chances — or simply agree that it's a cause worth fighting for — directly reply to this email to share your story with our team.
Wishing you a joyful and heartfelt Father's Day. See you out there!
— All of us on Team Fetterman
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