Butler, James A., SgtMaj

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS?

Pungo, Virginia is where I grew up

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!

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH HE/SHE TOOK IN HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE. WHERE DID THEY GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE THEY ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS HIS/HER REASON FOR LEAVING?

Comm Company, Radio Section, 3rd FSR

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.

IF HE/SHE PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE YOU FEEL WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO HIM/HER AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.

Danang, RVN with FLSG-Alpha Arpril 1966

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.

OF ALL THEIR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY HE/SHE HAD FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS THEIR LEAST FAVORITE?

First Sergeant

Serving as the Communications Platoon Commander for 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines at Camp Lejeune in the early 80's under Col. John Ripley was the absolute best! Going to the field via a hump every Monday and returning on Friday - training hard then playing hard was the norm. I still cherish the responsibility odf leading 113 motivated Marines day in an day out!

Recruiting duty in Oklahoma in the 70's was one of my least favorites. Working out of a "one man fighting hole" at PCS Ponca City at the end of the Vietnam War was tough. Assigned later to the Officer Selection Team in OKC for two years, then back to Ponca City and involuntarily extended for 10 months after the WRR Depot Inspector relieved half the recruiters in RS Oklahoma City. I was not a "happy camper"..!

FROM THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
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

MarDet First Sergeant

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!

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS DO YOU BELIEVE HE/SHE WAS MOST PROUD OF FROM HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE?
I was just proud to have served my country as a United States Marine for 30 years and 2 months - in every clime and place! Awards are tangible things. What I was most proud of was developing and leading Marines and watching them achieve their dreams, whether via promotions, schools, duty assignments or perhaps leaving the service for college pursuits.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER 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!

IF KNOWN, PLEASE LIST ANY INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM HIS/HER TIME IN THE MILITARY WHO STOOD OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON THEM AND WHY?

Col. John Ripley

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!

ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM HIS/HER SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MADE THEM LAUGH LATER ON?
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!

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?

Vice President of Branch Operations

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.

IF KNOWN, WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS WAS HE OR SHE A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY SPECIFIC BENEFITS THEY DERIVED FROM THEIR MEMBERSHIPS?

Regt of Retired Marines

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!

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU BELIEVE HIS/HER SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY THEY APPROACHED THEIR PERSONAL LIFE, FAMILY LIFE AND CAREER?

White Oak Vikings1983 Termite Champions

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.

IF THEY WERE HERE TODAY, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU THINK HE OR SHE WOULD GIVE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOWED IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS AND RECENTLY ENTERED MILITARY SERVICE?

Comm, Platoon, Wire Section 1983

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"!

HOW EFFECTIVE HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM BEEN IN HELPING YOU RECORD YOUR REMEMBERED PERSONS MILITARY SERVICE? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE?

RORM Retirees Ball, MCAS New River 1994

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!

*J*