Adrian J. Butler
Specialist, United States Army
January 31, 1977 – July 27, 2005
Age – 28
Redford, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
411th Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, TX
Killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee in Ashraf, Iraq
Specialist Butler saw the armed services as a step toward his dream job of being an FBI agent. After getting a degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University, he enlisted as an Military Policeman. “He was a real soldier,” said his mother, Peggy Donaldson. “He was a business type, conservative, a real professional person. He didn’t do a lot of kidding. He was more formal. He was a loving and kind person with a good heart and spirit.”
The best memories of Adrian J. Butler are of him hanging out with friends, listening to R&B and going bowling. Lots of bowling. But, as his friends recall, “he just loved life, period. He never had a bad thing to say. He was very positive and we always went to him for advice.” One of his fellow soldiers remembers him. “To the family and friends of SPC Butler. I would like you to know that he was one of the best soldiers that I have ever known. I served with him while he was assigned to the 92nd MP in Baumholder, Germany. I am truly sorry for your loss and never thought that something like this would hit so close to my heart. Specialist Butler was so full of life and loved what he was doing, even if it sometimes seemed like what we were doing did not make sense. His humor was greatly appreciated. We crossed paths again in Iraq and had time to actually eat lunch and talk about old times, which was enjoyable. Again I would like to send you my condolences and let you know that he was the epitome of an American soldier.”