A native of Jacksonville, NC, Lieutenant Colonel Butler graduated from Western Carolina University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Distribution. Following graduation from Officer Candidate School, LtCol Butler received his commission through the OCC program in March 2002.
As an Infantry Officer, LtCol Butler was assigned to 3d Battalion, 5th Marines in March 2003. During this tour, LtCol Butler served as a Rifle Platoon Commander, 81mm mortar Platoon Commander, Weapons Company Executive Officer and Weapons Company Commander. He deployed three times to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
In September 2006, LtCol Butler reported to the School of Infantry (East) (SOI-E). While at SOI-E, LtCol Butler served as the Company Commander of Hotel Company, Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT) until January 2008. At the conclusion of his tour with MCT, LtCol Butler served as the Assistant Operations Officer for SOI-E until reporting to the Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) in July of 2009.
Upon graduation from EWS in March of 2010, LtCol Butler reported to 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, where he served as the Weapons Company Commander and deployed to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon redeployment, LtCol Butler assumed the duties as the Operations Officer and deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in June 2012. After returning from Okinawa, LtCol Butler assumed the duties as the 1st Marine Regiment Assistant Operations Officer.
In 2013, LtCol Butler assumed command of Recruiting Station Kansas City. Upon completion of recruiting duty in 2016, LtCol Butler attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KS.
In June 2017, LtCol Butler was assigned as the 2d Battalion, 8th Marines Executive Officer. In this capacity, he deployed to Okinawa in support of Unit Deployment Program 18.1. Upon his return, he assumed the duties as the 8th Marine Regiment Executive Officer in 2018. He served in this capacity until March 2019, when he was transferred to the 2d Marine Division G-3 to serve as the Current Operations Officer.
In March 2020, LtCol Butler assumed command of 2d Battalion, 2d Marines in Camp Lejeune, NC.