TITLE: In memory of U.S. Air Force Major General (Ret.) Michael John Butchko of Nacogdoches.

SUMMARY: In memory of U.S. Air Force Major General (Ret.) Michael John Butchko of Nacogdoches.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of U.S. Air Force Major General (Ret.) Michael John Butchko of Nacogdoches on December 5, 2018, at the age of 78; and WHEREAS, The son of Michael Butchko and Helen Litman, Mike Butchko was born in Moundsville, West Virginia, on January 9, 1940; in 1963, he married the former Kay Ann Henry, and the couple shared a rewarding union of 55 years; he took great pride in their children, Benjamin and Kathryn, and he had the pleasure of seeing his family grow to include three grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Mr. Butchko graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1962 and went on to serve his nation on active duty for 31 years; he flew nearly 130 missions during the Vietnam War, and after returning from combat, he became a test pilot and played an instrumental role in the development of aircraft still used by today's military; following his retirement as commander of the Air Force Development Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base in 1993, he enjoyed a successful civilian career, leading companies that operated the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and the Nevada National Security Site; he held a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a master's degree in systems management from the University of Southern California, and a master's degree in public administration from Auburn University; and WHEREAS, A valued resident of Nacogdoches since 2013, Major General Butchko benefited his community in myriad ways; he served on the board of the American Red Cross of Southeast and Deep East Texas and led efforts to reestablish a Red Cross office in Nacogdoches; in addition, he volunteered his time with a number of other worthy causes and organizations; and WHEREAS, Mike Butchko was admired not only for his unfaltering commitment to duty but also for his optimism, generosity, and good humor, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of U.S. Air Force Major General (Ret.) Michael John Butchko and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Kay Butchko; to his children, Benjamin Butchko and his wife, Kirstin, and Kathryn Pelka and her husband, Jay; to his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jay, and Katelyn; to his siblings, Christina Butchko and Andrew Butchko; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of U.S. Air Force Major General (Ret.) Michael Butchko. Clardy Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 50 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 6, 2019. Chief Clerk of the House