Eunice Butts – United States Air Force | National Guard
Vietnam War Veteran | First African American female to serve as the Department Commander of the American Legion, Department of Florida

Name (Post/Position): Eunice Butts Post 167, Tampa; Past Department Commander (2022-2023), Post Americanism Chairman, District 15 Americanism and Children & Youth (C&Y) Chairman, Central C&Y Chairman, Department C&Y Fund Chairman.

Military Branch/Rank/Rate: United States Air Force and Alabama National Guard, Technical Sergeant, Supply.

Station and Responsibilities: Station at Amarillo Air Force Base, Maxwell Air Force Base, and Homestead Air Force Base.

I was assigned to supply. My primary duty was key punch and I worked in WRSK KITS (War Readiness Support Kits). Our mission was to Supply airplane parts to planes in Viet Nam that needed parts ASAP.
Memorable Event: My most memorable moment in the Air Force was winning second place in the base talent contest. Rightfully so. The piano player won first place. The music he played for me was very difficult. It was an opera. This took place at Amarillo AFB, Texas.

Acquired Leadership Skills: I attended Non-Commission Officers training at Maxwell Air Force Base. I was assigned the leader of one of the teams. In my leadership role today I depend on my Spiritual being, which includes love, understanding, peace, patience, sharing, being humble and respecting everyone’s ideas, whether they are right or wrong. Many individuals have told me, “Thank you, Miss Eunice or commander. I did not understand.”

Quote: If I can help someone with a word, prayer, helping hands or just listening, then my living shall not be in vain.