North Carolina Stories

Butch Ewing Jr., Southport

BUTCH EWING JR.
(Nominated by Chris Rhew)
Southport Baptist Church Christian Ministry Center
July 4, 2011

Butch Ewing truly loves the United States of America and what it stands for:  Freedom. Butch, a disabled Army veteran himself, comes from a family of veterans over multiple generations.  Along with his rescue border collie “Chewy”, they act as ambassadors to honor our military, instill respect and raise awareness for the sacrifices our veterans and their families have given.  They participate as members of the Patriot Guard Riders in numerous ceremonies. Butch has created a website that records their travels, and also displays tribute videos created by Butch about the fallen soldiers. Last year they completed a 1,000 mile motorcycle ride to call attention to soldiers MIA in Vietnam, and recently drove across the country to raise awareness of what our veterans and fallen soldiers have done for us, always taking the time to speak with people along the way.  Chewy was also recently named an honorary member of a local chapter of Gold Star Mothers, quite a respected honor.  Butch and Chewy have also been recognized by the USO, as well as magazines and have had various news coverage in the media. Butch is a modest man who, if you ask him, will tell you that he is just Chewy’s driver. However, he is a driver that logs tens of thousands of miles honoring our military and other emergency workers: a driver, using his own money, to pay for gas; a driver who, in spite of the pain he physically endures, stands hundreds of hours holding an American flag at the funerals of soldiers; someone who smiles and always has time to listen.  To me, that speaks volumes about Butch’s character and proves to me that Butch and Chewy deserve the honor of stitching the National 9/11 flag.