By Steve L. Butts, Guest Columnist
I would like to take a moment to recognize Cynthia J. Butts, the devoted caregiver of Chief Warrant Officer Steve L. Butts, U.S. Army (Retired).
Her decades of dedication, compassion and unwavering support were recently acknowledged by President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Sen. Ted Budd and U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards.
Representatives from Edwards’ office visited Murphy City Hall to present Cynthia with an official Certificate of Recognition, honoring her longstanding commitment to caring for veterans and their families. What began as the role of a military spouse gradually transformed into the full‑time responsibilities of a caregiver for her husband, something she never expected, yet embraced with strength, skill and grace.
Cynthia’s technical expertise, compassion and tenacity are only a few of the qualities that make her so deserving of this recognition. Her work reflects the quiet heroism of caregivers who support those who served our great nation.
In addition to the letter of recognition, Cynthia and Chief Butts were also presented with a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol, accompanied by a certificate marking the occasion.
Chief Butts shared that during his 21 years of military service, he received many awards and medals, but he felt that this honor for his wife was “most deserving and long overdue.” The timing was especially meaningful as November is National Caregiver Recognition Month.
We are grateful to Edwards’ office for providing photographs of this special event and helping shine a light on the essential role caregivers play in the lives of our veterans. For military family members who lived and worked with her, Cynthia will be most remembered for her helping hand – for being the one person who never stopped caring.
Because of her belief in the power of timely intervention, she was instrumental in helping other spouses cope with long deployments and prolonged absences.
The number of marriages she helped save is beyond estimation.
To this day, although the list grows smaller due to the years passing, Cynthia still receives note cards and emails from friends and acquaintances indebted to the wife of Chief Butts.
Throughout her husband’s career of service that spanned the Vietnam War, the Cold War and deployments on various rescue/ humanitarian support missions, Cynthia distinguished herself as a model for all Army spouses to follow. She recognized the critical role spouses play in the careers of everyday soldiers and seized every opportunity, which enhanced her husband’s success. In countless instances of caregiver service, she has also made life easier for the spouses and children of other soldiers from all branches of the service.
Cynthia’s efforts did not stop upon her husband’s retirement. She continued to perform as the sole caregiver for her father, who passed away at age 89 in 2019.
In fact, her commitment as a caregiver expanded full time in 2020 as her veteran husband Steven’s health degraded from his spinal cord injury and now includes veterans, as she continues to volunteer and performs visits to several disabled veterans who are homebound and/or in assisted living facilities in Cherokee County while caring full time for her disabled husband.
Cynthia’s steadfast commitment is a tribute to those who have served as caregivers and warrant recognition. Her dedication to her veteran husband exemplifies the profound commitment many caregivers have toward their loved ones, especially veterans.
Caregiving, particularly for veterans who face challenges after service, involves a range of qualities and values, including:
- Compassion and empathy: Cynthia’s devotion stems from a deep understanding of Steven’s needs, both physical and emotional. Her ability to empathize with his experiences greatly enhanced his quality of life.
- Commitment and sacrifice: Providing caregiving services often requires personal sacrifice, time and energy. Cynthia’s steadfast commitment highlights the importance of being there for a partner through thick and thin.
- Advocacy: Caregivers often play a crucial role in advocating for the healthcare and support services their loved ones need. Cynthia’s involvement includes navigating VA benefits or connecting Steven with appropriate resources.
- Respect for dignity: A key principle in caregiving is maintaining the dignity of the person being cared for. Cynthia’s approach involves honoring Steven’s independence and preferences to the greatest extent possible.
- Education and continuous learning: Effective caregivers often seek knowledge about specific health conditions, treatment options and best care practices. Cynthia continually educates herself with the help of the Red Cross and Veteran Caregiver Services to ensure she provides the best support for Steven.
- Strengthening bonds: Through caregiving, Cynthia reinforces the emotional and social bonds they share, fostering a nurturing environment that allows Steven to feel valued and loved.
- Community involvement: By engaging with veteran support groups and communities, Cynthia finds support for herself but also helps create awareness about the unique needs of veterans and their families.
Cynthia’s role as a caregiver not only enhances Steven’s quality of life but also serves as an inspiring model of love, resilience and dedication within the caregiving community. She is a member of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, American Red Cross and Veterans Caregiver Service.
The writer is a resident of Murphy.