The U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and DynCorp International honored Air Force Col. (Ret.) Michael Butler posthumously at a ceremony on November 25. Col. Butler, 53, was killed June 12, 2007, when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle near Tikrit.
After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Col. Butler joined DynCorp International as the international Civilian Police Program (CIVPOL) Senior Deputy Program Manager in Iraq. He led the 700-member U.S. contingent of trainers assigned to the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team, which is responsible for the U.S.-led effort to train and equip the 135,000-member Iraqi Police Service.
INL Senior Police Advisor of the Office of Iraq Program Ronald Dervish provided spoke of Col. Butler who captivated DOS officials with candid, righteous answers regarding the safety his personnel as his utmost priority. Thereafter, Mr. Dervish presented a plaque to Col. Butler’s widow, Joanne, on behalf of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, along with a replica of the memorial plaque at the IPA training facility in Fredericksburg, Va.
Vice President of Law Enforcement Dick Cashon spoke of Col. Butler’s leadership style as Col. Butler inspired others to act as he modeled the way. Mr. Cashon then presented Mrs. Butler with the DynCorp International President’s Valor Award to honor Col. Butler’s service and sacrifice. Mrs. Butler accepted the award, noting that Mike loved his country and had a passion to serve.
CIVPOL Employee Assistance Program Manager Michael Warren read a letter from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham expressing appreciation from the state of South Carolina, and the entire nation, for Col. Butler’s dedication to mission, courage and sacrifice. DynCorp International Iraq Support Manager Rhonda Dodson spoke of Col. Butler’s leadership, personality, and ability to have employees appreciate his tough decisions in a challenging environment.
President of the CIVPOL Alumni Association Mike Cox, speaking on behalf of more than 1,400 International Police Advisors (IPAs), expressed an appreciation for Col. Butler’s leadership where Mr. Cox likened the Senior Deputy Program Manager’s position under CIVPOL to a major city Police Chief’s position.
More than 45 people attended the ceremony at the Shaw Air Force Base Officers’ Skies Club in South Carolina. Other family members present were Mike’s sons, USAF 1Lt. Michael and Daniel Butler, Daniel’s fiancé, Shanekia Blair; his grandson, DaKori Butler; his parents, Tom and Arlene Boscarino; and his brother and sister-in-law, Braxton and Jewel Butler. The Butler family expressed their sincere appreciation for the ceremony, recognition, and remembrance.
We will remember Col. Butler’s spirit and service.
