Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember that night like it was yesterday. Chatting with Bob in the Flight Chief's office on my way home just a few short hours before he was shot. He was in good spirits and anxious to get on the road and visit his troops. And then the unthinkable relayed by a phone call. The disbelief, shattered nerves, and trying to pick up the pieces. The memorial, attended by cops from every agency imaginable, the barracks dedication and, finally, the street dedication just 3 years ago - all at Edwards. No, Bobby, you are not now nor ever will be forgotten. Resp in Peace brother, your watch is over.

CMSgt Wayne P. Wall
USAF SecurityPolice/Forces - Ret

January 10, 2011

Bob - There is not one day that goes by that you are not missed. I remember that Saturday morning as if it was yesterday. Dan and I let the telephone ring until the last ring before the answering machine would pick up. I said to him "It's bad news...I know it". There was your Dad's voice and when he said that you were gone. I could actually feel my heart drop when I fell to my knees in the bedroom. I can still remember your brother crying out. It still doesn't seem real or fair that you were taken from us at such a young age...even though we know that you are not with us....we still talk about you as if are. Thank you for the good memories that I have and Thank you for the sacrifice that you made for our freedom.

Mary M. Butler
Sister-In-Law

May 31, 2010

I was one of TSgt Butler's Desk Sergeants for a short time on loan from C-Flight. I was TDY from him when he was taken from us that Saturday night. I know John probably lives in regret working the desk that night, thinking about what he could have done differently. I feel just as much regret not being there for him that night and everytime I see a cop on a traffic stop I think of Robert. I kept telling myself if I was there he might not have been shot, but I know now there was nothing I would have done differently. Bad things just happen to good people sometimes. Robert did everything by the book and nothing would have changed if I was there with him that night. I think of him ever Memorial Day and his family is in my daily prayers. You are not forgotten Robert...

YA-02 John F Knipe III
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst AT Office

May 26, 2010

I remember Robert very well. He had just made TSgt and was my second. Very professional and always alert. Many things in common to include Japanese wives and martial arts. I often wonder what might have happened had I been working that night instead of him. I was honored to have escorted him to PA where respects were paid before laying him to rest. The local PD stopped the entire free way while escorting him to rest. It was something. God bless you Robert, your wife, your children, your friends and family. I miss you brother.

Ret Albert Garlick
Supervison

March 2, 2010

12 years ago tonight. Not forgotten.

Special Agent John Gill
AFOSI (Retired)

January 9, 2010

Rest in peace Bob, you will always be missed.

MSgt Stephen J. Veeder
15 SFS, Hickam AFB

May 12, 2009

God bless you and your family.

SSgt Tom Wright
Security Police 1982-1990

December 13, 2008

Robert, although I only knew you in passing and casual conversation, I truely am sorry to hear about your ultimate sacrifice. You were always a true friend and you wil be gravely missed. God Speed My Friend, for the angels will look over you from now on.

Tsgt Daniel Sherburne
U.S. Air Force Reserve

July 25, 2008

I have met some of those who were subordinates of Tsgt Butler. The story of that day gets passed around Security Forces now. It is a reminder to us all that the job can turn from monotonous to dangerous with a simple traffic stop.
Thank you for your sacrifice. The legacy that you have left behind is one of strength and courage.
Know that my friends (at the time he was Amn Josh Pokorney and his wife Stephanie) still talk about you and pray for you. As do I.
Bless your family.

SF Wife, Christin Neal
Malmstrom AFB, Offutt AFB

June 6, 2008

Rest in peace sir. We will take it from here~

SrA Edwin Bowser
8th Security Forces Sq/Kunsan AB, ROK

May 24, 2008

Hero's are never forgotten! Continue to rest in peace brother.

Paul Bodenhamer
Police Officer
Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

Former 36th SFS Andersen AFB Guam
Security Forces - United States Air Force
62nd Security Forces Squadron Phoenix Raven McChord AFB

Police Officer - Paul Bodenhamer
Dept of Veterans Affairs

April 10, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 12, 2008

I remember that morning well. I got the call and learned one of our own had fallen. It was a gray, drizzly desert morning, as if nature itself was mourning with us. The hunt for his assailant had already ended. Those of us who were left behind will never forget. He was an incredible professional, great friend and he knew no stranger. Bob Butler will be remembered always. To his friends and family, our prayers are with you still. God bless!

MSgt Robert F. Duke
92d Security Forces Sq, Fairchild AFB WA

January 10, 2008

Today on the 10th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for you and those who mourn you still.
Rest in peace Tech Sarge you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

January 10, 2008

T/Sgt. Butler,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

January 10, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 3, 2008

TSgt Butler was the first SF member I remember hearing about that was killed in the line of duty in recent times. I did'nt know him, but he died doing an everyday job. There is no real security and safety anywhere. One sometimes can easily get complacent, thinking on a military base you are free from harms way, TSgt Butler and many other SF members remind us we are not. Rest in peace sir!

Staff Sergeant Boyd L. Neckerman
U.S. Air Force/ military police

December 22, 2007

HERO!!

Sgt. Jonathan D. Phillips
USAF Security Police LE

January 22, 2007

Rest in peace brother Skycop.

Sam Bell Jr
former USAF LE

July 15, 2006

Rest in peace TSgt Butler and God Bless. I was active duty (1989-1998) as an S.P. (S.F.) working L.E. at Kelly AFB when you were murdered. I salute you for your bravery and thank you for your service to our country. Defensor Fortis.

Sgt PJ Dyring
City of Corning PD, NY

February 23, 2006

I first met Bob at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa in 1987/88. Quiet at first, we got to know each other and worked well together. When we found out not only were we from the same home town (Philly), but he went to North Catholic High with my brother. I remember Bob coming to the C-Flight parties with his wife (then girlfriend), who was very shy. Bob was a hard worker and never complained (as most of us did in the SPs) about a thing. I remember being stationed at Nellis AFB when I heard on the national news of Bob's death. It was tragic, but it also was a reminder how dangerous this career is. Bob, I know you are watching over us. May God watch over your family, and keep us safe. God Bless You, Robert (The Bruce) Butler!! Scotland Go Bragh!

TSgt (Ret) James J. Mc Donough Jr.
Scottsdale Police Department, Arizona

February 8, 2006

Rest in Peace Brother

Tsgt Randy Bennett
USAF Security Police (1975 -1986)

November 12, 2005

Rest in Peace Brother. God Bless those who wear the BLUE BERET

Defensor Fortis

SSgt Michael D. Farley
127th Security Forces Squadron Selfridge ANGB MI

July 18, 2005

I was honored to have been stationed with TSgt Butler at Kadena AB. We deployed to Korea together a number of times and his humor and the good example he set for the younger troops always made for a positive experience.

He was a good NCO, father and husband. Bob will not be forgotten.

Lloyd L. Corricelli
United States Air Force

July 7, 2004

I was stationed with Bob in Okinawa and then at Edwards. I actually had the honor of picking him and his family up at the airport when he flew into California. I was in Iowa when I heard of the tragedy. Everytime I look at a memorial page, I look for Bob's picture. He was a great man that I had a lot of respect for. He was truly a military hero.

Officer Jason Bailey
Council Bluffs, IA Police Dept

May 24, 2004