OCALA - Retired chief warrant officer Steve Butts
can't recall keeping any secrets from his wife in the past, but for
the past four months, that's exactly what he's been doing.
In August, Butts was informed that his wife, Frances, was set to
receive an honor from the United States military. He wanted the
accolade to remain a surprise until the presentation ceremony, which
was held last Thursday at the Spruce Creek Preserve Club House.
And after a good bit of effort on his part, it was. So was the
standing ovation she received when entering the ballroom.
Retired Maj. Gen. Ken Habedank presented the Catharine Greene award
to Butts before an audience of friends, family and the Spruce Creek
Military Club.
"There aren't many things I would have put my uniform back on for,"
Habedank joked as he began the presentation.
The Catharine Greene award was established in 2001 by the
Association of Quarter Masters to honor spouses of career military
personnel for their support and commitment. The honor is named after
the wife of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Greene of the American Revolutionary
War. During the war, Catharine Greene joined her husband at many
different camps, providing both her husband and her country support
through many courageous acts.
This year only six such awards have been presented to military
wives, said Habedank.
"It's not given out like candy; they have to earn it," said Debbie
Donovan, director of the Association of Quarter Masters.
Butts is used to being in a league of her own.
Before her husband retired in 1989, she had relocated with her
family a total of 17 times to eight different states and nine
foreign countries over a period of 21 years.
In the spirit of Catharine Greene, she selflessly served the
military communities in which she was involved. In addition to being
a mother of two, she was a counselor to other military families
coping with long deployments and a volunteer Department of Defense
teacher at many locations. At the close of the Vietnam War, Butts
assisted with Project Homecoming, helping families prepare for the
return of the veterans.
Her husband recalls when she joined him on a recovery assignment
after Pan Am flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988,
killing 259 people. Fifteen were active-duty military and 10 were
veterans. She was not obligated, but went along to provide comfort
and support to those associated with the loss.
Her actions embody the sentiment that "Army families take care of
each other."
On several occasions, Butts has described his wife as, "my rock, my
refuge and my safe harbor."
Good friend Mac Hendrix, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, thought
Butts was well deserving of the award and was "tickled pink" at the
opportunity to see her be honored.
"That type of woman just stands out," he said.
"The support of his wife is very crucial to the military man's
career and promotion," he said.
Overwhelmed and grateful, Butts accepted the award alongside
Habedank as her husband placed a medal around her neck and carefully
pinned decorations on her shirt.
"Our wives are usually the ones pinning stuff on us," said Habedank.
Friends and family know Butts well, and prior to the ceremony they
predicted she would be humble in her acceptance.
"She's such a lady. She's going to be in a state of shock," said
Georgette Liotta.
They were right.
"I don't feel as though I'm deserving," Butts said.
