MONTICELLO, Utah, Aug. 22, 2017 (Gephardt Daily/UPI) — The family of Aaron Butler — the Utah National Guardsman killed last week in an explosion while attempting to clear a booby trapped building in Afghanistan — has released a statement following Pres. Donald Trump’s Monday evening news conference.
Trump reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the Afghan conflict and pledged to send more American troops to help fight the Taliban insurgency.
The parents of 27-year-old Butler released the following statement:
Aaron believed that if military leaders thought changes in our strategy would increase the efficiency of U.S. operations in Afghanistan, he would be all for it, even if it required additional sacrifice.
Our loss is painful and agonizing, but it will be even worse for the nation if we don’t stand up and take steps to stop the spread of terrorism. Aaron felt this way and he sealed this belief with his life. We support our son and the cause for which he died.
Aaron was passionate about his patriotism. It ran deep and was an integral part of who he was. He was willing to defend the country against terrorism, at the point of greatest risk, in order to defend freedom, liberty and our blessings.
Aaron died doing what he truly believed in. It was what he wanted to do.
Randy and Laura Butler
