Butchko, Inc.’s Michael J. Butchko, has been actively involved with the American Red Cross for the past 10 years but his appreciation for the organization dates much farther back.
“When I was an Air Force cadet, I was stranded in San Francisco with little time and no money,” said Butchko. “The Red Cross gave me money for bus fare to allow me to make it back before my leave was over. They saved me from going AWOL and now I get a chance to repay that debt.”
Butchko joined the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross during his time in Las Vegas. He served in a variety of roles, including Board Chairman. After his move to Nacogdoches, he joined the local chapter where he currently serves as the first Community Volunteer Leader for Nacogdoches County. In addition, he is on the board for the Southeast and Deep East Chapters. He brings strong leadership skills to the organization.
Benjamin Butchko has long supported his father’s involvement with the American Red Cross, especially now that Michael Butchko is part of the company. “Benefiting our community and always striving to add value are key components of our mission at Butchko, Inc. My father’s 30 plus years of leadership are an asset to the Red Cross and we are all proud of the contribution that he is makes to the organization.”
Following the historic rainfall in East Texas last week, Mike Butchko has been called into duty. Nacogdoches County was not directly impacted, but volunteers from that chapter have been asked to report to the Jasper Emergency Operations Center to support the three affected counties. Butchko serves as the Red Cross Liaison with the Command Post in Beaumont and is working 12-hour shifts alongside all the other Red Cross volunteers. The primary task is to assist in setting up shelters to support the residents in affected communities. The Red Cross is working with ten different government agencies, three county judges, and “there is even a State Representative who has been spending a lot of time at the Operations Center,” said Butchko. “The National Weather Service predicts that the region will be in major flood stage through March 23, so right now I have no idea when I will be able to go home.”
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Photo credit: ABC13.com