Veterans Service: Butler County names Desert Storm veteran as 2026 honoree

Michael Barker was named the 2026 Butler County Veteran of the Year on Tuesday. The Air Force veteran, who served in Operation Desert Storm, received the award during a trip to Washington, D.C. on an Honor Flight.

Mike Farmer, the head of the Butler County Veterans Service Office in Hamilton, confirmed that the Selection Committee voted unanimously for Barker. Farmer cited Barker’s continuous leadership roles in the community as the primary reason for the choice.

Barker served as a crew member on a B-52 bomber during the conflict. He described the nature of that work plainly, noting that the crew’s role was to destroy targets. After leaving the military, he shifted his professional focus to construction and family life.

His current volunteer work centers on connecting veterans. Barker is active with the West Chester VFW, Honor Flight Tri-State, Butler County NANI, and Blue Star Families. He also participates in a specific initiative designed to bridge the gap between generations of soldiers.

The program is called the Combat Veterans Empowerment Team, or CVET. It pairs younger combat veterans with senior veterans. The two individuals then travel together to the capital on an Honor Flight.

Barker explained that the pairing relies on shared experiences with combat trauma and PTSD. He stated that the goal is for the younger veteran to learn from the senior, and vice versa. The relationship extends beyond the flight, with the pairs planning joint events afterward.

"It’s very restorative, I think, for both," Barker said. He noted that while he initially hoped to help the younger veterans, he found the dynamic to be mutual. He described the process as heartwarming because both sides gain perspective.

Barker called the award unexpected. He said the recognition felt good because it validated his desire to build and help other veterans. He emphasized that the Honor Flights themselves have a lasting impact, often helping veterans who are isolated to become more involved in the community.

"They talk about it forever," Barker said regarding the flights. He added that these events can encourage a veteran to step out of their shell and connect with peers in Southwest Ohio and the tri-state area.

Barker will be formally honored at the Butler County Veterans Day Celebration. The event is presented by Atomic Data and is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Hamilton.