Legion DVOP recognized for going above, beyond call of duty
Mike Michaud (right), Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor, congratulates Dwight Butler, American Legion Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist of the Year.

Legion DVOP recognized for going above, beyond call of duty

On April 27, Dwight A. Butler started his day in the same manner he does every day: Going through his daily agenda and preparing himself to go out into the local community to perform outreach at a hiring event at Ft. Bragg Army Base. To his surprise, Butler said his day unfolded unlike any other day.

During a panel discussion at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes Transition Summit, Department of Labor Assistant Secretary Mike Michaud introduced Butler and highlighted his being named The American Legion’s Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist of the Year.

“It was a honor to be recognized,” Butler said. “ When I moved from Memphis to North Carolina with my wife seven years ago, I had no idea I would be doing this kind of work.”

Butler ran across the position during his job search. With some encouragement from people he met in the local area, Butler said he applied for the job and accepted the position.

A Navy veteran, Butler said he didn’t hesitate at the opportunity to assist fellow veterans.

“I am fortunate to have a job that I enjoy doing," he said. "It is my duty to assist veterans with significant barriers to employment. To me, that means doing anything and everything to ensure that they overcome those barriers and secure gainful employment."

“Butler’s dedication to his job inspires his peers and everyone around him,” said his supervisor, Jaqueline Yee. She believes that those qualities also contributed to him receiving the regional DVOP of the year award this year.

“You could not find a more caring person on earth,” Yee said. “If a veteran comes in and needs help, Dwight stops what he is doing to help the veteran.”

Yee talked about how much she admires Butler’s hard work. In addition to his outreach efforts, Butler serves on several boards and committees that provide assistance for veterans. He also organizes an annual stand down for homeless veterans.

“He really goes above and beyond,” Yee said. “Sometimes when the state can’t afford to pay for certain things, he pays for it out of his own pocket.”

Butler, a Legionnaire, said he admires the four pillars of The American Legion and tries to uphold them whenever he has the opportunity. Butler also donates his time to a local drug treatment facility, performing outreach and providing job placement assistance.

“It is always great to see people get their lives straight, break their habits, and go on to get decent jobs," Butler said. "It makes me feel good. It makes me want to do more.”

Butler said his coworkers will be on his mind when he receives his award during a formal presentation at The American Legion’s upcoming national convention in Cincinnati.

“I work with eight other people that do the same job I do," he said. "Nobody pats them on the back. This is also for them. They also deserve to hear someone say, ‘Job well done.’”