But then military helicopters, Black Hawks, delivered enough turkeys and ham to feed all the troops, he said.
The Thanksgiving meal “brought some aspect of home life to the soldiers,” Butler said at this week’s Veterans Day ceremony at Atrium Medical Center where he serves as trauma director. “We fight to preserve the American way of life.”
Butler served in Afghanistan from Aug. 17, 2012 through Dec. 17, 2012 and two tours in Iraq (2004-2005 and 2010) where he conducted emergency surgeries on U.S. and Iraqi soldiers, as well as insurgents. He said the medical team performed to the best of its ability, regardless who was injured. He said Iraqis have “high expectations of Americans.”
When Butler is oversees, he misses the “little things” that most Americans take for granted, he said. He mentioned walking outside, the smell of green grass, a hot shower, hot meals and a comfortable bed.
As for Veterans Day, Butler said it’s a time for him to give thanks for the veterans “who paved the way for me. All the opportunity they gave me.”
Butler, who was born in South Korea, said he’s living the “American dream.” He has worked at Middletown Regional Hospital and now AMC for 20 years. For 24 year, he has served in the Army Reserve, the 629th Forward Search Team, based in Columbus.
He was adopted by an American couple and brought to the United States in 1971 when he was 9. His adoptive father is a physician.
Butler graduated with honors from Asbury College with his bachelor’s degree in biology-chemistry. He then received his M.D. from the University of Indiana School of Medicine and is certified by the American Board of Surgery. He also holds certification in Advanced Trauma & Life Support and in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
If he had remained in South Korea his life probably would have been much different, he knows. He may have earned his high school education and spent his career as a laborer.
“Very blessed,” he said.
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