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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
SgtMaj James A Butler U.S. Marine Corps (Ret) (1964-1994)
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MILITARY?
 My father was career Navy, a Gunner's Mate Chief that served on destroyers, cruisers and battleships during WWII and Korea. He was an avid hunter, fisher and trapper being from a rural town in upstate PA. where his father and brothers provided for their family of 12. He taught me these skills as a small boy growing up in rural VA. and I was fascinated with tracking and stalking prey for our family of 10.Occasionally he would talk about his service in far off lands, his shipmates and the liberty ports they visited. The day I turned 17 I boarded a bus for the recruiting office in Norfolk. The Navy recruiter was out to lunch but the Marine recruiter was not. He invited me into his office to wait - and the rest is history!
WHAT WAS YOUR SERVICE CAREER PATH?
 I started out in Radio Communications, first as a Radio Telegraph Operator (Morse code) then attended Field Radio in Okinawa enroute to Vietnam in 1966. I worked my way through the positions over the years - Radio Chief, Communications Chief up through and including the Communication Officer's billet in an infantry battalion. Having received a great opportunity leading Marines during training operations and deployments, I chose the "F" option only on my fitness report. Accordingly, I was selected into the 9999 (First Sergeant/Sergeant Major) field.
DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN COMBAT OPERATIONS? IF SO, COULD YOU DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE SIGNIFICANT TO YOU?
 Yes I served in the Republic of Vietnam in 1966 as a Radio Operator and again in 1970-71 as a Radio Chief. During my first tour I served as a Radio Operator on perimeter guard in Danang, then moved to the top of Hill 327 as part of a radio relay team for communications between Danang and Phu Bai. Later several of us moved up to Dong Ha in support of 1st and 4th Marines for Operation Hastings and Prairie. We provided HF communications shots for the Communications Center back to Division Headquarters in Danang. We also provided communications support between the port operations site on the Cua Viet River and Regimental Headquarters and support to the EOD teams for disposing of captured ordinance, duds, etc.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE CAREER WHAT PARTICULAR MEMORY STANDS OUT?
My tour as the MarDet First Sergeant aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68). The previous leadership team (CO, XO, 1stSgt and Det GySgt) had driven morale right into the ground. The PRP Program required removal after two NJPs, so they were in the habit of finding creative ways to get the  first NJP on these Marines for minor infractions, and almost every Marine there had one on their Page 11. After a NATO cruise to Norway we were scheduled to do a 6 month Med cruise followed by a Change of Home Port from Norfolk, Va. to Bremerton, WA Approximately 40 of these Marines were scheduled to EAS or PCS prior to us departing. I called each of them into my stateroom and told them what I expected and what they could expect of me. Further I told them privately that any Marine that stayed aboard and served professionally and honorably would leave the Detachment with a clean SRB. That coupled with the changes in leadership that we had put in place resulted in 33 of these Marines extending their tour until we reached our new port. The turnaround in both morale and professionalism was one of the most satisfying times in my career!
OF THE MEDALS, AWARDS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICES YOU RECEIVED, WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
I'd have to say receiving my Air Crew Wings while serving as the Squadron Sergeant's Major for HMM-162. Not because to the device itself, but the training and experience that led up to it. I had never served with an aviation unit before and quite honestly had my doubts about  their dedication as Marines. I asked for no special treatment and was given none. In fact LCpl. McIlrath the Crew Chief for "Double Nuts" the CH-46 I trained on most of the time took particular care to ensure that I understood the finest details of prepping the aircraft for flight, then performing the after flight inspections and maintenance. From polishing the windshield, taking early morning oil samples to folding blades, etc. In exchange for my learning their duties I was given ample time to provide PME classes to the them. During our Med Cruise the we took every Marine of the Month and NCO of the Month Board except the first one. Towards the end of the cruise someone said the BLT was feeling a little slighted and would we sit out the last Board. "Sure" I said - "when pigs fly"! Hands down these were the hardest working Marines I ever served with!
WHICH INDIVIDUAL PERSON FROM YOUR SERVICE STANDS OUT AS THE ONE WHO HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
 Col. John W. Ripley! When he took over 1st Bn., 2nd Marines in late 1979 we were dealing with substandard Marines, racial and drug issues and a shortage of qualified officers and SNCOs. He quickly took stock of the situation and made the tough leadership decisions to restore morale, good order and discipline. Substandard Marines were given Expeditionary Discharges, SNCOs and Officers not pulling their weight were relieved and replaced. We deployed with our Marines, not choosing to send our "problem children" to the other battalions and requesting able body replacements as had been the routine previously. I was proud to be one of two SNCOs selected to fill a Platoon Commanders billet during his tenure. His calm, gentlemanly demeanor, strength of character and love for the enlisted Marines was a leadership lesson that most could only dream about!
CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE THAT WAS FUNNY AT THE TIME AND STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
I was a young Corporal assigned to Supporting Arms Dept. US Naval Amphibious School at Little Creek, Va. One of our purposes besides teaching Artillery and Naval Gunfire Spotting Courses, was to qualify US Navy and Allied destroyers and cruisers at Bloodsworth Island in the Chesapeake Bay. One of  the qualifying missions was a Counter Battery Fire mission requiring the ship to fire on a 81mm WP Smoke that we fired from a platform at the bottom of our range tower. Newly arrived, and having never fired a mortar, I was given a 2 min. class on how to do it and was told to go down and drop one at the OIC's command. After firing it, the impact was way across the island and he told me to take some of the powder packets off, elevate the tube more then fire another. It was still too far out so he hollered " take more off and elevate it even more" and I quickly complied removing all but one. As I dropped the round in there was a little pop and the round arched up lazily to about eye level of the OIC in the tower then impacted about 50 yards off the starboard side of LCU that served as our home away from home. Needless to say the OIC was "not pleased" and the Chief aboard the LCU cast off the lines and refused to return until after all firing was complete. My time as a 81mm Mortarman had come to an end!
WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER THE SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB?
 I was hired as the Financial Instructor for a credit union two weeks after retiring. My purpose was to develop and teach basic financial classes such as how to buy a car, preparing a budget for deployment, how to read a credit report, etc. A few months into it, I was selected to the Management Training Program, and after completion was assigned as a Branch Manager. Over the years I worked my way up through the management levels to my current position as Vice President of Branch Operations.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Like most veterans I'm affiliated with several organizations, the DAV, Marine Corps League, 2nd MarDiv Association, Seagoing Marine Association, etc. I would say the most fulfilling though is with our local Regiment of Retired Marines (RORM) and the Military Affairs Committee (MAC). Both are very active in the community and with the Marines and Sailors stationed aboard Camp Lejeune, Camp Johnson and MCAS New River. Besides hosting bi-monthly breakfasts and the annual Retirees Ball, they provide awards for Service Members of the Month/Year and Fish Frys for the major commands during the spring and fall. I've got an expert badge in cooking French Fries!
HOW HAS MILITARY SERVICE INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?
 To me life is sort of like a toolbox. We all start out with an empty box and as we move through life, we pick up tools here and there that fit a particular need, skill or job through experience, observation and training. I would say the "people skills" that I learned over time in the Corps is my most valued tool today. Being able to deal with people from all walks of life, of every racial origin, of every rank in life made it an easy transition for me. That coupled with the dedication to do the right things, at the right time, for the right reason - no matter how difficult at times - has served me pretty well.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR THOSE THAT ARE STILL SERVING?
Not much - they're doing a terrific job right now and I'm proud at the way they've taken the torch and carried it to new heights. With some clouds on the horizon regarding right sizing, down sizing or whatever they will call it this time, I would say they need to prepare themselves and their subordinates for the challenges ahead. Slower promotions, fewer boat spaces for schools and reenlistment in certain fields are bound to occur. Master your MOS, complete all required PME, diversify your skills, take the tough assignments instead of the easy ones. Make sure you've got a "B" billet under your belt where possible. Lastly, remember - "Mission, Marines, Self"!
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU MAINTAIN A BOND WITH YOUR SERVICE AND THOSE YOU SERVED WITH?
 I came to TWS in hopes of finding members of my recruit training platoon after so many years and I have found several of them thanks to the members here and the great staff at TWS. But that was just the beginning of a long list of great times I continue to experience here. The camaraderie, cooperation and the sharing of information is awesome. A hearty "BRAVO ZULU" to you and your staff!
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TWS VOICES
TWS Voices are the personal stories of men and women who served in the US Military and convey how serving their Country has made a positive impact on their lives. If you would like to participate in a future edition of Voices, or know someone who might be interested, please contact TWS Voices HERE.
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