10/29/2026
🇺🇸 Some stories deserve to be told. Some sacrifices deserve to be remembered. And every veteran deserves to be heard. 🇺🇸
I had the distinct honor and privilege of attending the memorial service for Sergeant David Butkiewicz, a 97-year-old Korean War veteran whose story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices our service members carry long after their time in uniform has ended.
Drafted into the Army in 1951, Sergeant Butkiewicz answered his country’s call, not knowing the tremendous weight of what he would experience. For more than 70 years, he carried the memories of war quietly, rarely speaking of the things he had witnessed or the lives forever changed.
When the Boatwright Foundation connected with him, the initial intention was to assist with his veterans benefits. But Sergeant Butkiewicz wasn’t looking for benefits.
He was looking for someone to listen.
And thankfully, someone did.
In the final weeks of his life, he shared a story that had remained largely untold for 75 years. He was also given the extraordinary opportunity to meet fellow soldier and Medal of Honor recipient Robert M. Patterson. A photograph of their handshake became a treasured possession, sitting beside the Bible he read daily.
Just two weeks later, Sergeant Butkiewicz passed away.
His story is a profound reminder that not every wound is visible, not every sacrifice is recognized, and not every veteran is looking for something in return. Sometimes, they simply want to know that their service mattered.
At Elite Veteran Evaluations, we have the privilege of hearing veterans’ stories every single day. Some are shared easily. Others have been carried in silence for decades. Each one deserves our time, our compassion, and our respect.
I am incredibly grateful to the Boatwright Foundation for inviting me to be part of Sergeant Butkiewicz’s memorial service and, more importantly, for the compassion and dignity they showed him in his final days.
Sergeant Butkiewicz, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and the courage it took to finally share your story.
Your life mattered. Your service mattered. And your story will not be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergean
— Crystal Duncan, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, WHNP-BC
Founder, Elite Veteran Evaluations
🇺🇸 Better advocacy begins with listening.
