Cpl. Rhett A. Butler of Fort Worth, Texas was a 2003 Lago Vista High School graduate. He enlisted in the United States Army the summer 2004. His father served in the Navy during Vietnam, and several uncles and cousins were also in the service. Rhett wanted to do his part but had to fight hard just to get into the Army, where he wanted to pursue his dream of being a soldier. When he first tried to enlist after graduating from high school, he failed a breathing test. Recruiters suspected he might have asthma. The following year he tried again and passed the breathing test, but this time his body fat percentage was a point too high. So he ran twice a day and ate a strict diet of salad and chicken breasts. In 12 days he went back 12 pounds lighter and signed the dotted line. He adjusted to a soldier's life in Iraq and told her he planned to re-enlist and try to join the Special Forces. His civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (2003), and the Military Occupational Specialty 19D (Cavalry Scout) Qualification Course (2005). His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. He died of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Khan Bani Sa'd, Iraq at age 22.
Army
2nd Squadron
1st Cavalry Regiment
4th Brigade
2nd Infantry Division
Stryker Brigade Combat Team
Fort Lewis, Washington
Army
2nd Squadron
1st Cavalry Regiment
4th Brigade
2nd Infantry Division
Stryker Brigade Combat Team
Fort Lewis, Washington
Cpl. Rhett A. Butler of Fort Worth, Texas was a 2003 Lago Vista High School graduate. He enlisted in the United States Army the summer 2004. His father served in the Navy during Vietnam, and several uncles and cousins were also in the service. Rhett wanted to do his part but had to fight hard just to get into the Army, where he wanted to pursue his dream of being a soldier. When he first tried to enlist after graduating from high school, he failed a breathing test. Recruiters suspected he might have asthma. The following year he tried again and passed the breathing test, but this time his body fat percentage was a point too high. So he ran twice a day and ate a strict diet of salad and chicken breasts. In 12 days he went back 12 pounds lighter and signed the dotted line. He adjusted to a soldier's life in Iraq and told her he planned to re-enlist and try to join the Special Forces. His civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (2003), and the Military Occupational Specialty 19D (Cavalry Scout) Qualification Course (2005). His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. He died of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Khan Bani Sa'd, Iraq at age 22.
Army
2nd Squadron
1st Cavalry Regiment
4th Brigade
2nd Infantry Division
Stryker Brigade Combat Team
Fort Lewis, Washington
Army
2nd Squadron
1st Cavalry Regiment
4th Brigade
2nd Infantry Division
Stryker Brigade Combat Team
Fort Lewis, Washington
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