Marine Corps News Room

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/93078E258BA4B411852570890049A70C?opendocument

Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 200592792428
Story by Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan

AL ASAD, IRAQ (Sept. 27, 2005) -- The languages of the brain are pictures, sounds, feelings, tastes and smells. Under the stress of living in a combat zone, these languages become razor sharp. Marines in Iraq must be constantly vigilant of their surroundings and the personnel around them.

Throughout his deployment in Al Asad, Iraq, Master Gunnery Sgt. William H. Butler, the acting sergeant major of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, has been teaching Psychology classes to members of the military, giving them a knowledge base to deal with mental issues that may arise in a combat zone.

“We all go through issues out here,” said the Margate, Fla., native. “Understanding psychology gives Marines support dealing with stress, social and work-related issues. Whether the problem is theirs, or the Marines they are in charge of, it gives them a better knowledge of people and their real problems.”

Butler’s interest in psychology coincides with his interest in people and being a leader of Marines. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social psychology in 1997 from Park University and a master’s in counseling psychology from Capella University online in 2002.

“People are the neat part of living,” said Butler. “Nothing is perfect all the time. Leaders need to accept that and get a knowledge base, don’t assume anything. You need to go beyond the basic counseling the Marine Corps gives you, because some of the issues that come up are beyond a basic scope.”

While serving as the avionics chief for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 in 1994, Butler was the senior person for more than 350 Marines. Every morning he would see Marines who were having problems.

“I didn’t know, or understand how to deal with some of the problems I faced,” said Butler. “I wanted to better help the Marines I was working with. I figured if I take some psychology classes I would be able to give a fair, educated opinion.”

According to 1st Lt. Marlisa M. Grogan, Marine Aircraft Group 26’s adjutant and education officer, Butler has put a great deal of effort into getting the word out. He has made the opportunity for everyone to take classes and has been very helpful with the education program on base.

“His classes are both educational and entertaining,” said the Wayne, N. J., native. “He’s a character, someone who certainly has a positive presence here. I know his classes are popular. He has a way of getting his students excited and involved with the subject matter.”

For Marines who desire to take advantage of their educational benefits or want to get their minds off their daily duties and tasks, Butler’s classes offer a world of opportunities.

“It helps keep my mind stable,” said Cpl. Dante P. Freeman, a supply warehouse clerk with MWHS-2. “Preparing for tests and quizzes, studying, it all helps time go by a bit faster. We also get the benefit of learning an interesting subject matter and earning college credit.”

The New Haven, Conn., native, compared the class to small example of the Marine Corps. He stated that the students are from a wide variety of military occupational skills, squadrons and ethnicities, but all share the same desire to improve themselves and work on their education.

“These classes have opened my mind to new ideas,” said Sgt. Carlos Aguilar, supply clerk with Marine Aircraft Group 26, who has taken both Interpersonal Communication and Introduction to Psychology. “I’ve learned new methods, and new ways that help me better understand people and the Marines under my charge. The classes are very upbeat, and Master Guns (Butler) has a unique style of teaching that is very inactive.”

The Buena Park, Calif., native, said the class is a comfortable environment to be in after a long day of work, and after being out of school for six years. He is very glad he took the opportunity when it was there.

Between leading MWHS-2 in a combat zone and teaching his classes, Butler makes time to volunteer and counsel patients at Al Asad’s hospital.

While in a combat zone, Marines must be mentally ready to experience life-threatening or extremely distressing situations. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can cause them to feel intense fear, horror or a sense of helplessness.

Butler’s knowledge of the different languages of the brain have not only helped the Marines here, but he has installed a knowledge base in all the Marines who have attended his classes. When he leaves Iraq, he will leave behind a legacy of not only counseling and educating Marines, helping them earn college credit, but creating leaders who better understand their troops and their human problems.