Contents - Airlift/Tanker Association

The Airlift/Tanker Association Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen Awardis presented annually to an outstanding Air Transportation (2T2XX)individual for sustained excellence in aerial port operations.2010 A/TAHalvorsen AwardMaster Sergeant Todd M. ButlerMaster Sergeant Todd M. Butler is the NCOIC of Cargo Processingat the 436th Aerial Port Squadron, 436th Airlift Wing, Dover AFB,Delaware. He holds a CCAF Associate Degree in TransportationManagement.MSgt Butler was born in Hutchinson, MN, on18 February 1968. In June 1991 he enlisted in theAir Force. Upon graduating Air Transportationtechnical training, he was assigned toMcChord, AFB, WA. In 1993 he received ordersto Osan AB, Korea, where he served a 12-monthassignment.After completion of his short tour, MSgtButler was assigned to Howard AFB, Panama,where he served as a hazardous cargo handler.Four year later, MSgt Butler was assigned toAndersen AFB, Guam, and soon after proceededto Incerlick AFB, Turkey. His two year tour inTurkey was followed by a there-year assigmentto Aviano AB, Italy.In 2002 he was accepted for Military TrainingInstructor duty and graduated MTI Schoolin December 2003. He was then assigned to the 331st TrainingSquadron at Lackland AFB, TX, where he served five years. At thecompletion of his tour he received orders to Dover AFB, DE, wherehe is currently stationed.MSgt Butler’s has demonstrated solid leadership skills in theperformance of his duties as the Cargo Processing NCOIC of theDoD’s busiest Aerial Port Squadron. Words used to describe MSgtleadership style include “choreographed,” “reinforced,” “swift,”“facilitated,” “expedited” and “prepared.”His leadership in the preparation of 500 personnel and a 300Ksquare foot facility for the Commander inChief’s Installation Excellence Award helpedDover AFB to win the coveted honor. He workedtirelessly to direct humanitarian relief supportfor Pakastani earthquake victims, and he expitedthe movement of 107 tons of munitions forthe Armed Isreali Defense Force during Isreal’sconflict with Lebanon. MSgt Butler demonstatedhis motivational skills when his flight handled22K+ cargo tons in March of 2009, with 30% ofhis manpower deployed – the largest monthlytonnage in 18 years.MSgt Butler is involved with his community,having served as the 2009 Squadron Top IIIPresident, a Little Creek Fire Departmentvolunteer and as his squadron’s AFSO21Representative.His awards and achievements include beingnamed both the 2009 436th Aerial Part Squadron SNCO of theYear and Transportation SNCO of Year. His decorations includethe Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (2OLC), Air Force Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Army AchievementMedal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal (5 OLC), NationalDefense Service Medal (1 OLC), Iraq Campaign Medal, GlobalWar on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal,Humanitarian Service Medal and the NATO Medal.“Too often the ground personnel are takenfor granted or overlooked in major air eventsthat are outcome centered…”–Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen, “The Berlin Candy Bomber”38 A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2010