Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Extremely happy that his ultimate sacrafice has not been forgotten.

Det Albert Garlick
60 SFS/S2, Travis AFB

June 18, 2013

I remember spending time with Bob on occasion at Kadena AB. He was a great guy and a true professional. I shall always remember him as a good guy to have around.

Dwayne Higgins SSgt Disabled Veteran
Security Police

May 6, 2013

Rob, I remember you and your family from Kadena AB a few years before this incident. From the first time I heard of this incident, you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. Your sacrifice is not forgotten and you will always be remembered as a good man.

Mark Jasek, TSgt Retired
US Air Security Police/Security Forces

April 25, 2013

Robert, I never knew you but, I know of you.
God Blesss your soul and may you sir, rest in
peace forever. God bless and comfort your family.
"Defensor Fortis".
Larry Breazeale, Msgt., USAF Security Forces (ret.)
Deputy Sheriff LASD (ret.)
Member of the Board-Air Force Security
Forces Association, Life Member-Vietnam Security
Police Association,
Nat.Chrm.National Veterans Coalition

Msgt. USAF Security Forces (ret.)
Air Force Security Forces Association

January 21, 2013

15 years today. It feels like it was yesterday!

I had the honor and privilege of having worked with Tech Sgt Butler as my flight chief including the night he was taken from us. He encouraged me to go back to college and allowed me to come in late once a week so I may take a college course. He was a perfect role model and always spoke highly about his wife and children. To this day what occurred during that shift and after bothers me tremendously therefore I can’t even come close to imaging what his family has and will always go through.

To his wife, children and family. Know that you are and always will be in my prayers. Find peace in knowing he is in a much higher and greater place….with God!

RIP Tech Sgt Butler. You will always be remembered.

Melina Alcivar-Drumgo, SrA (former)
95th Security Police/Forces Squadron Edwards AFB, CA

January 10, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 8, 2012

Although I did not get to know Bob very well before I left Edwards in 1997 I still pause as I walk by the memorial in front of the Superior Court in Bakersfield. I pause to reflect upon your name and the name of the other officers I have served with. God bless you Bob and your family. Your sacrifice is not forgotten and reminds us who are still on the job to work hard in your honor.

Chris Grider
Former SSgt. 95th SPS
Edwards AFB

Detective Chris Grider
Shafter Police Department

November 1, 2012

As your loss was being mourned, I vividly recall your passing being shared throughout the Air Force with fellow "Peacekeepers.". This was as the Security Police was transitioning into what was to become Security Forces. I think about your senseless slaying, a good man just doing his duty. I trust the good Lord is watching over your family, friends, former coworkers and fellow "Peacekeepers", past, present and future. For those who don't know, before there was "Defensor Fortis", the USAF Security Police were known as "Peacekeepers." The creed is the same, the duties haven't changed much, good men (and women) continue to give their lives for something greater than self and the Veterans continue to return home from overseas and hostile engagements. Although the career field has changed over the years since TSgt Butler and I were standing Guardmount, the Troops are still the same...young, courageous and willing to serve others who will never know their names or understand why they do what they do for total strangers or foreigners. I read the words of a former Troop of yours on your ODMP page, she is now a SRNCO. Her words touched my heart. It was obvious in her words that you made a difference in the lives of others. That you had a sense of humanity and humor, and that you were respected as a leader. Your contributions linger on as the next generation of "Peacekeepers" continue to cherish your memory and they pass on your legacy to those who follow in your foot steps. Continue to watch over those former "Peacekeepers" and present "Defenders of the Force", or by whatever name they might go by, and may you rest in peace!

T. Huber (TSgt, USAF retired)
Security Police Law Enforcement/Corrections

October 16, 2012

TSgt Butler was my first supervisor and mentor here at Kadena. He was well respected and loved by all. I still think of him today as I am stationed back at his home away from home "Okinawa". I remember the time in Korea when he was in a foxhole with 2 other Airmen. I was in a bunker not far away when I saw an explosion come out of their bunker.. Bob and his Airmen had decided to start a fire to keep warm and someone thew an arisol can in the fire and it burst. Bob had pretty bad burns on his face, one of the other Airmen lost his hearing temorarily. Luckily all healed. I remember trying to take a pic of his face and he threatened me with an Article 15! The 18th SPS/SFS will always remember you. YOU ARE MISSED!

MSgt Deborah A. Manning
18SFS Kadena Airbase Okinawa

April 2, 2012

TSgt Butler was always a true professional at work. He was one of my first supervisors and taught me so many tools to get the job done. He was also a great family man and that showed everyday through his dedication.
I have many fond memories of those days and still reflect on the photo's of his going away BBQ in Okinawa where we would all come together as a flight. He was a true Defender. He will always be remembered.

MSgt Stacie Conrey White
423d SFS, RAF Alconbury United Kingdom

April 2, 2012

16 years have gone by since I last saw TSgt Butler in Okinawa. I personally never work with him but was deployed with him to Korea many a time. Outstanding leader, true Defender and a devout family man...you are missed and will never be forgotten...

TSgt (Ret) J.R. "Randy" Maningas
Member of 18SPS

April 1, 2012

I was lucky to have TSgt Butler as a mentor both on flight and EST while stationed at Kadena AB. He was a devoted husband and father who always set a great example for Airmen to follow. I think of him often and I'm thankful that he always took the time to give me sound advice that I still follow today. Rest in Peace Bob. You will never be forgotten.

CMSgt Dan J. Lambert
569 USFPS SFM

March 23, 2012

I was lucky to have TSgt Butler as a mentor both on flight and EST while stationed at Kadena AB. He was a devoted husband and father who always set a great example for Airmen to follow. I think of him often and I'm thankful that he always took the time to give me sound advice that I still follow today. Rest in Peace Bob. You will never be forgotten.

CMSgt Dan J. Lambert
569 USFPS SFM

March 23, 2012

Bob, 14 years and never forgotten my friend. I remember the days of us as SSgt's patrolling the streets of Kadena AB. We were stationed together, Deployed together. I remember Bob as a phenomenal leader, warrior, family man! Your memory lives on and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. I'm grateful to have known and met you--your in my prayers always!

V/r

CMSgt D. "Rob" Hansford
Security Forces Manager, USAF (AD)

March 22, 2012

TSgt Butler,

You will never be forgotton...God bless you and your family.

MSgt Stephen Veeder
7 AF/A7S
Edwards AFb 1995-1999

MSgt Stephen Veeder
7 AF/A7S

January 10, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 10, 2012

It feels just like yesterday that this happened. I remember getting the phone call that there was a re-call and asking if this was an exercise and the voice on the other line said no, one of our own is down. I never got dressed and out the door so fast. At the time I worked in SPI and was on the team that went door to door in the dorms looking for the suspect. In the end, I remember standing guard of the room that he killed himself in and it finally hitting me that I would no longer see TSgt Butler in the halls or on the road. Words can not express the emotions of seeing all the support at his memorial - absolutely amazing!

Tsgt Butler and his family will never be forgotten and will always remain in my prayers. It makes me feel good that Edwards AFB and the Security Forces has kept his memory alive - he deserves it all and more!! RIP TSgt Butler, RIP my friend.

"When I started my tour of duty, God, wherever crime may be, as I walk the darkened streets alone, let me be close to thee. Please give me understanding with both young and old. Let me listen with attention until their story's told. Let me never make a judgement in a rash or callous way, but let me hold my patience let each man have his say. Lord, if some dark and dreary night, I must give my life, Lord, with your everlasting love, protect my children and my wife." - Policeman's Prayer

SrA Danielle Baker (Paquette)
95th SPS from 1994-1998

January 10, 2012

I still remember this night 14 years later as if it was yesterday. It's hard to remember a week or day that has passed, that I haven't thought of it. I'm honored to have been stationed with TSgt Butler and know he would of been proud of the way his flight handled the incident. For it was he's leadership and constant training that allowed three 21 year olds and SSgt Jackson to perform the way we did. I was the first officer on scene that awful night and did everything in my power to bring him back, unfortunately it was already out of my hands.
Mary Butler, my prayers have and always will be with you and the rest of your family.

SrA Ryan Sherrett/Former
USAF Security Police

January 10, 2012

TSgt Butler was not only my Shift Sergeant, he was also my trainer and friend. My first night of work at Edwards AFB in November 1996, I rode with him on patrol. I was only a 19 year old Airman Basic and he was a Staff Sergeant, but he started training me that night. I am now back at Edwards AFB as a Department of the Air Force Civilian Police Officer and am able to use what I experienced that night to help keep his memory alive. I consider it an Honor to have known TSgt Butler and am also Honored to be able to tell his story today.

Sgt Butler, not a day goes by that I don't think about that morning, how we talked about your family and started planning a BBQ...30 minutes later, you were gone. Our Flight had lost one of Our own, yet we stayed strong and finished the job. I remember staying on post at the Birk Flight Test Facility until noon that day (6 hours past shift change), going home and laying in my recliner in my dorm room, still in uniform, trying to sleep. And we all came back to work that night and went out and did what you would have wanted us to do. I miss you and will Never Forget You Sir!

GS-06 David P. Carlson
Department of the Air Force, 95th SFS, Edwards AFB, CA

January 10, 2012

I was brand new at Edwards back then... finishing up my college degree, and Air Force wife, and not yet active duty... and all I could think was "This just doesn't happen on military bases... we just don't DO that to our own" and couldn't wrap my mind around it... It hit all of us hard that day, even if we didn't personally know him, it felt like a loss in our family just the same. I will never forget that night, nor your sacrifice, and that of your family.

Lt. Meghan M. Anderson
United States Air Force Logistics and Aircraft Maintenance (Ret)

January 10, 2012

Although I never worked with Tech. Sgt. Butler, I remember being on the LE Desk at Whiteman AFB, MO that night when we heard about it.

PO Rick Jones/ Former SrA
Kansas City, MO Police Dept/ Former USAF SP

September 11, 2011

sergeant you are not forgotten you paid the ultimate price my prayers are with you and your family
E. S. Perry cdcr

eric usaf veteran

May 7, 2011

Face book has allowed me to reconnect with people I served with in the USAF on Kadena AFB, Okinawa, 1987-1989. I served with Robert Butler and have fond memories of him. I just learned of his passing, and find myself deeply sadden by the news. Butler was a very nice guy and one I always liked hanging around with. My prayers go out to his wife, children and friends. I'm sorry it took so long to learn of his passing.

Det. Anthony A. Budrow
Lovington Police Dept, NM

February 6, 2011

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. I know they still think of you every day for they carry your loving memory in their broken hearts. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and know that you have not been forgotten. Thank you for your service to others and to your Country.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 10, 2011

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