May 17, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 83 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO BLAKE EDWARD BUTLER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 17, 2019

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a public servant 
and American patriot, Blake Butler, who passed away suddenly on May 3, 
2019 at his home in Yerevan, Armenia. Today I ask that the U.S. House 
of Representatives join me to honor and remember the life of Blake 
Edward Butler.
  Blake Butler joined the U.S. Department of State in 2009 as a U.S. 
Foreign Service Officer. In 2018, he began his tour as the Human 
Resources and Financial Management Officer at U.S. Embassy Yerevan. 
From 2015 to 2018 he served as the Assistant General Services Officer 
at U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires where he led the team that provided 
logistical support to 14 different U.S. government agencies and close 
to 400 employees. Blake's other assignments included General Services 
Officer at U.S. Embassy Baghdad; Environmental, Science, Technology and 
Health Officer at U.S. Embassy Paris; and Vice Consul at U.S. Embassy 
Port-au-Prince. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, he worked as a 
civil service employee for the Department of State as a budget analyst 
and in the office responsible for the President's foreign travel. He 
was the recipient of multiple Department Superior Honor and Meritorious 
Honor Awards. In addition to his service with the Department of State, 
Blake valiantly served in the U.S. Army's Reserve from 2001 to 2011 and 
was deployed overseas on multiple occasions.
  Blake was the loving husband of Sara Hurst Butler, who previously 
worked in my office, and the proud father of Everett Ian Butler. Blake 
received his BA from Baylor University and his MBA and Master's in 
Health Administration from Texas Woman's University.
  As we look at the incredibly rich history of our country we realize 
that this history is comprised of men, just like Blake, who chose a 
life of public service. I am grateful for Blake's service to our 
country and my thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences goes out 
Blake's wife, son, parents and brother. There are no words that can 
relieve their pain and what words I offer only begin to convey my deep 
respect and highest appreciation. I hope they know that the goodness 
Blake brought to this world will always be remembered.

                          ____________________