Rep. Butler Honored for Support of Illinois National Guard

SPRINGFIELD – The National Guard Association of Illinois has named State Representative Tim Butler (R-Springfield) its 2021 recipient of the Abraham Lincoln Award. The recognition is bestowed upon an elected official who has been extraordinary in their efforts to support the men and women of the Illinois National Guard and the Guard Association’s objectives.

“It has been my honor to represent the home of the Illinois National Guard in Springfield and advocate for these dedicated men and women who serve our great state here at home and overseas,” said Butler. “I’ve been fortunate to get to know many of our Guard members over the years, and I am continually impressed by their dedication and character. For them to recognize me with the Abraham Lincoln Award is a distinct honor that I will proudly display in my office.”

Butler’s House District includes two Illinois National Guard facilities: Camp Lincoln, which serves at the headquarters of the Illinois National Guard, and the 183rd Wing at Abraham Lincoln Capital
Airport. His efforts to support the mission of the Illinois National Guard started even before he was elected to the General Assembly, dating back to 2006 during his work on the staff of former Congressman Ray LaHood.

Butler’s efforts in 2021 helped break an eight-year logjam that allowed for the expansion of Camp Lincoln to help the Guard meet the demands of modern military infrastructure and force readiness.