First Sergeant goes beyond call of duty

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  In October 2009 the 442nd Fighter Wing added 1st Sgt. Donald Butler to its mission support group staff communications and services flight.

Sergeant Butler, a United States Department of Agriculture employee and a pastor in the civilian world, believes his 11 years of active-duty Air Force service (1992-2003), prepared him for the challenges that face an Air Force Reserve first sergeant.

"I learned various techniques and tools from Air Force leadership courses that have helped me in all aspects of my life," Sergeant Butler said.

Sergeant Butler attended Airman Leadership School at Whiteman Air Force Base as a Senior Airman in 1995 and has carried the lessons he learned throughout his Air Force career into his office.

"An Airman's perspective is their reality," he said. "In order to get an individual where you want him to go in his profession you've got to know where his start point is."

Sergeant Butler said his ministry flows over into every aspect of his life and regards his Christian principles as his standards, which aid him in applying a different leadership style and approach.

"As a pastor, my immediate instinct is to alleviate tension, but sometimes people have to go through trials to achieve growth," Sergeant Butler said.

His character and desire to help Airmen further their career in a highly motivated manner has been noticed by those who work with him.

"In addition to having great personal character he's a knowledgeable professional whose door is always open," said Chief Master Sgt. Alyn Brown, 442nd Mission Support Group superintendent.

Senior Airman Sherry Brainard, 442nd MSG orderly room information manager, was particularly impressed with Sergeant Butler on a cold unit training assembly morning.

"I live in Sedalia and couldn't get my car started that morning," Airman Brainard said. "He offered to come get me so I wouldn't be late for duty."

"He cares a lot about his Airmen and takes his job to a deeper level than the stripes on his arm," she said.

This degree of care translates into Sergeant Butler's ability to assist Airmen in problem-solving scenarios.

"Some Airmen need a pat on the back while others are jump starters who may only need a nudge," Sergeant Butler said. "Many folks just need a nonjudgmental atmosphere where they can talk and a lot of times that allows them to find their own solutions. In the end -- they just needed an outlet."