B-52 Crew Member Named 2026 Butler County Veteran of the Year

The selection committee for the 2026 Butler County Veteran of the Year made its choice unanimously, naming Michael Barker, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served on a B-52 crew during Operation Desert Storm. Barker received the honor while on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.

Mike Farmer, who heads the Butler County Veterans Service Office in Hamilton, confirmed the decision. He cited Barker's sustained leadership in local organizations, including the West Chester VFW and Honor Flight Tri-State. Farmer noted that Barker's continued service in Butler County initiatives was the primary factor in the committee's selection.

Barker described his military role as destructive, stating that the crew basically destroyed things. He said he wanted to be the builder after leaving the military. He has since built a family and a career and is now active with Honor Flight, the VFW, Butler County NAMI, and Blue Star Families.

A central part of Barker's work involves the Combat Veterans Empowerment Team, or CVET. This program pairs younger combat veterans with senior veterans. The pairs then escort the senior veterans to Washington, D.C., together. Barker said the goal is to bring two combat veterans with common experiences in trauma and PTSD into contact with each other.

Barker explained that the relationship does not end after the flight. The pairs plan events together to maintain their connection. He described the process as restorative for both individuals. He noted that while he initially thought he was helping the younger veterans, he found that the dynamic works in both directions.

Barker described the Honor Flights as a way to help veterans come out of their shells. He said the events show that the tri-state area loves its veterans. This recognition encourages some individuals to become involved with other veterans or in their own lives. The formal recognition for Barker is scheduled for the Butler County Veterans Day Celebration.

The event is presented by Atomic Data and will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Hamilton. Barker called the award very unexpected. He said it feels good to see the work recognized and that he is building and helping veterans.