Mildred Butts

Early Life and Challenges

Mildred Butts, a US Army Veteran, celebrated her 100th birthday in January 2022. She grew up on a 145-acre farm in rural Rockbridge County, VA, with five sisters and four brothers. Their life was shaped by hard work, such as gathering water from a cistern, tending to livestock, hunting, and farming. With little time for education, most of her siblings didn’t continue past high school. The work ethic she developed on the farm stayed with her throughout her life.

Military Service in the Women’s Army Corps

At 19, Mildred enlisted in the US Army, serving in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. She held several roles, including medical technician and parachute rigger. Mildred quickly rose to the rank of corporal and earned numerous medals for her dedication, including The WAC Service Medal, The American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Granddaughter Sarah Butts wearing Mildred’s original WWII uniform

Life After Service

After her honorable discharge in 1945, Mildred used her GI Bill benefits to attend beauty school. She began her career in a salon in Alexandria, VA. In 1955, she and her husband, Calvin, moved to Gordonsville, VA, where they cared for elderly family members and worked on their 13-acre farm. Both sons, Lew and Cal, followed in her military footsteps. Lew became a master sergeant in the Army, while Cal served as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

Mildred couldn’t attend her Hometown Hero presentation, but her son Lew and granddaughter Sarah were there to accept the award on her behalf. Greg and Crystal Dudley from the ALCOVA Mortgage Orange, VA branch were honored to present the award. Mildred’s life of service and dedication continues to inspire.

*Pictured left to right: Branch Manager Greg Dudley, Lew Butts, Sarah Butts and Branch Partner Crystal Dudley.