Few men have literally been blown out of the sky and lived to tell about it. If you can call being starved, beaten and otherwise tortured living. But not only did Phil Butler survive, he came out of the experience a new man...a war hero, a loving husband, a warrior for peace and justice. Now he is telling his story, a compelling tale about becoming a warrior, from the seeds of his childhood in Oklahoma, the tempering of his character as a POW for 2855 days and nights, and his conscious growth when he returned to the United States. Phil Butler's story is not only interesting, it is instructive; he defines a path for the willing and the courageous. No, a man - or a woman - doesn't have to be tortured to be a warrior and it doesn't even always help. But most people who would evolve to that higher level do so after confronting great demons and daunting tasks. Phil Butler's account of his journey is part road map, part history, and always an engaging tale.
About the Author: Doctor Phillip Butler is a 1961 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a former light-attack, carrier pilot. In 1965 he went down over North Vietnam where he was captured and spent 2,855 days and nights, almost eight years, as a prisoner of war. He is a highly decorated combat veteran who was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legion of Merits, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Heart medals. After his repatriation in 1973 he earned a PhD in sociology from the University of California at San Diego and became a Navy Organizational Effectiveness consultant. He completed his Navy career in 1981 as a professor of management at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. Phil then founded Camelot Enterprises, a management seminar, professional speaking and consulting services business. As a professional keynote speaker he told his dramatic and inspirational story of how POW's were able to survive and succeed. As an organizational development consultant he specialized in team building, leadership development, interpersonal skills, strategic planning, organizational re-structuring and other topics. In 2000 he retired as a traveling professional speaker and consultant. He has been a constant community service volunteer since his repatriation from Vietnam, having served on more than a dozen boards, some of which he chaired. He and his wife Barbara have been volunteer docents at Point Lobos State Reserve for 20 years. He has also been a 20 year peace and social justice activist with Veterans for Peace, having served as their national board chair. He currently chairs the Peace Coalition of Monterey County, a coalition of 21 peace and social justice organizations in Monterey County. He is married and lives in Monterey with his wife, Barbara Baldock, where he enjoys golf, reading and playing his piano.