My name is Kurt. I write you today from Pachuca Hidalgo, Mexico, about 1.5 hours from Mexico City. I'm a retired pilot living in Danang, Vietnam, and after three months in Butler, I'm on my way home.
I am originally from Charles City, Iowa.
When I arrived in Butler, it was to fly skydivers at Butler Airport, and I was staying in the one hotel in town. My employer, Skydive Kansas City, also owns a campground north of Butler Airport.
So, as we only operate on weekends, I decided to remodel a vintage RV that was parked there, just to "stay busy". I asked around and was told that Midwest Lumber rented tools, so I went there. Unfortunately I learned that they no longer did.
While eating dinner one afternoon I told a fellow customer about it during our casual conversation. Within minutes, a complete stranger approached me and said "Hi, I'm Mike. I hear you need a Sawzall". Mike went to his his home, retrieved it, and loaned it to me. He would not accept any payment, deposit, nothing. I was so surprised, and amazed at this act of kindness.
As the weeks (and months) went by, I met more people. One day a met a farmer named Cody, was talking about my project, and within a day he had brought his pressure washer for my use. Again, on a handshake.
I needed help cutting some wood, stopped by the local cabinet shop, met Jonathan, and same thing..... help, and would not accept a dime.
I went to the Carpenter's Cup to see if perhaps they knew someone who might make some curtains. Within minutes, I had a person ready to do it.
I was eating breakfast at the Quick Dine and mentioned to Nora that I need to figure a way to cut a few boards. Within 5 minutes, a man walked in, came to my table, and said "You need a few boards cut?" We walked outside, he had a saw plugged in, we cut them, and once again.....
"What do I owe you?". Nothing......
Alicia at The Alley. Val at the Alley. Thank you!!!!
Brian at Midwest lumber, Vincente at Midwest Lumber, others who's names I have forgotten, the list goes on....
In the months in Butler, besides the above, I met so many people. All friendly, all welcoming, all kind.
Butler embodies everything that "small town" America is, if you believe the stereotype. But it is much more. I've been to many small towns. Butler is special. People pointed out to me problems or issues of course, but there are problems and issues anywhere.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was kind to me and helped me complete my project. I have a story to tell for sure!
I have been invited back by Skydive Kansas City for the next season starting April, 2026. If it works out, I will have the pleasure to be in Butler again. I felt compelled to write this, with hopes that perhaps others will read it.
Best Regards, Kurt
