Joseph W Butler was an important part of the Star Fleet Universe family for more than ten years before passing away in Feb 2007. Joe volunteered to run the tournament desk at Origins in 1995 and did so during almost ever subsequent year. It was Joe Butler who ran the events in 1998, the darkest year of the interregnum, when no one from ADB could be at the show and it was unclear if the Star Fleet Universe could continue. The fact that it did continue is due, in no small part, to Joe's efforts in that one dark summer.

In honoring Joe for his lifetime of achievement, service, and accomplishment, we studied many options and quickly determined that no single honor would be sufficient to recognize his contributions as a tournament judge, webmaster, and playtester. As such, it has been determined that multiple honors across multiple areas are necessary to recognize the wide-ranging achievements of this remarkable and multi-dimensional man.

First, we have dedicated the new product THOLIAN ATTACK to his memory. Joe worked on many different products and many different game systems, but this one was selected for two reasons: it's the next one available and we don't want to wait any longer to honor Joe, and Joe was very much at the center of the "web" that is ADB Inc. and the Star Fleet Universe (both as a business and on the internet).

Second, we have named the lead ship of the Federation Area Control Ship class after Joe. This ship has been given hull number 1995, since 1995 was the first year that Joe Butler was the desk judge for the Origins tournaments. Area Control Ships are a triple threat, with fighters, gunboats, and their own weapons, and Joe was a triple threat, running the web site, a playtest group, and the tournaments. The USS Joseph Butler, NCC-1995, sails into the great beyond.

And finally, it is only proper that Joe Butler be given a suitable military medal. The problem is, which one? Joe has already been awarded the Silver Star (twice), the Bronze Star (six times), the Distinguished Service Cross (the highest award in the service category), the Command Accomplishment Medal (the second highest award in the leadership category), the Order of Judgement (second class), the Order of the Interregnum, and over 40 campaign ribbons. It has been decided that no one medal can reflect his contributions. As such, Joe is awarded the following:
1. The ten-year service medal.
2. His Order of Judgement is upgraded to first class.
3. The Command Achievement Award (the highest award for leadership).
4. The Master Sysop award (each "master" is a unique award).
5. The Star Fleet Gold Star, the highest award there is.

Get some rest, Joe. You earned it.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 01:49 pm: Edit

Joe Butler's awards

Butlermedals.pdf butler_medals.pdf (388 k)