In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the March, 2008 Veteran of the Month Recognition to Ervin “Butch” W. Read.

Butch entered the United States Air Force in September, 1959 after graduating from high school in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He was assigned to Seymour-Johnson AFB into the accounting and finance field which he remained in throughout his military career. Butch was stationed at various bases within the United States, Thailand and Hawaii. He later became an instructor at Keesler AFB teaching the Non-Appropriated Fund Accounting and Finance courses.

Butch retired from Ellsworth AFB as Chief Master Sergeant in 1981. His awards and decorations include: the Meritorious Service Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal w/2 OLC, AF Outstanding Unit Award w/1 Device, AF Good Conduct Medal w/1 Silver OLC, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Device, AF Overseas Ribbon Short Tour, AF Overseas Ribbon Long Tour, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon w/4 OLC, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm Unit Citation and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Butch worked in the civilian sector after his retirement in the accounting/finance field retiring again in 2003. He graduated from National College and received two additional Community College of the Air Force degrees in Accounting and Hospital Management.

Butch is married to his high school sweetheart Rita and they have two adult sons. Since his retirement, they have enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and relatives but choose to live in Rapid City. Butch is a Life Member of TREA, and served as Treasurer of Chapter 29 when they became chartered. He is a Life Member of the VFW, and a Life Member of the Air Force Sergeants Association. Butch is actively involved by volunteering time and expertise in the accounting field as a troubleshooter for various military organizations.

In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the March, 2008 Veteran of the Month Recognition to Ervin “Butch” W. Read.

Butch entered the United States Air Force in September, 1959 after graduating from high school in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He was assigned to Seymour-Johnson AFB into the accounting and finance field which he remained in throughout his military career. Butch was stationed at various bases within the United States, Thailand and Hawaii. He later became an instructor at Keesler AFB teaching the Non-Appropriated Fund Accounting and Finance courses.

Butch retired from Ellsworth AFB as Chief Master Sergeant in 1981 and received several outstanding awards and recognitions. Butch worked in the civilian sector after his retirement in the accounting/finance field retiring again in 2003. He graduated from National College and received two additional Community College of the Air Force degrees in Accounting and Hospital Management.

Butch is married to his high school sweetheart Rita and they have two adult sons. Since his retirement, they have enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and relatives but choose to live in Rapid City. Butch is a Life Member of TREA, and served as Treasurer of Chapter 29 when they became chartered. He is a Life Member of the VFW, and a Life Member of the Air Force Sergeants Association. Butch is actively involved by volunteering time and expertise in the accounting field as a troubleshooter for various military organizations.