ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Illinois -- In early May, Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Butler, a contract specialist at Army Contracting Command-Rock Island, was selected for promotion to master sergeant.
Butler, a native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was one of 15 sergeants first class from the 51C, Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Contracting noncommissioned officer military occupational specialty that were selected for promotion. Only six percent of those considered were selected.
"I am still in awe a little bit because I still remember being Private Butler, and I never thought that I would see master sergeant," he said. "I would like to continue to grow as a leader, adapt to the changes of the Army, and make those around me better."
Col. John P. Hannon, ACC-RI military deputy director, said he was pleased to hear of Butler's selection.
"This is terrific news and a compelling testament to Sgt. 1st Class Butler's work ethic, leadership abilities, and contracting expertise," said Hannon. "I have full faith that he will excel in his new responsibilities after he pins on the coveted and revered rank of master sergeant."
Being selected for promotion was actually the second bit of good news for Butler this spring. On April 24, he was chosen to participate in the Training with Industry Program, in which he will work at Amazon.com Inc.
"I get to go work with Amazon for a year," said Butler. "I will see how they operate on the commercial side and basically how they function, and I will bring those lessons I learn back to the Army."
This is the first year that the program is being held for acquisition NCOs and Butler is one of the two initial NCOs selected to participate, according to Eric Sears, Chief 51C Proponent NCO,
U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center.
"There are a lot of unknowns because this is the first time we've done it," said Butler. "Officers usually do it and they work with some huge companies. I am anxious and excited, since I will be the first one to go work with Amazon. I am excited to be able to lay the foundation for the NCO Corps and hopefully be able to bring other opportunities like that to the 51C NCO Corps."
Butler, who served the bulk of his Army career as a combat engineer, deployed three times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. While serving as a combat engineer, he dealt with demolition, maneuvering and route clearance. It was during this he learned the importance of contracting and logistics. He switched to 51C in February 2009.
"I like being able to get the warfighters what they need to accomplish the mission, whether it is in combat or garrison," said Butler. "I used to be one of those warfighters and I know what it feels like to be without."
As he moves into new roles over the next couple of years, Butler said he will maintain a few constants in his personal life: A love of all types of music, a passion for Georgia football, and an active interest in Latin dancing.
Social Sharing