Missouri honors fallen hero Staff Sergeant Shelbe Faye Butner with flags at half-staff

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe Friday ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Macon County on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from sunrise to sunset in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Shelbe Faye Butner, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on January 30, 2025, while conducting a training exercise at Fort Stewart United States Army post in Georgia.

“Staff Sergeant Shelbe Faye Butner was dedicated to serving our country with honor, courage, and unwavering commitment,” Kehoe said. “Staff Sergeant Butner considered the welfare of others a personal responsibility and was guided by her love of country to serve our nation.

"Her sacrifice reminds us of the bravery and dedication of the men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect our freedoms," the governor continued. "Claudia and I join Shelbe's family and friends in honoring her service and mourning her loss.”

A 2015 graduate of Macon High School, Staff Sergeant Butner enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 1, 2015. She earned the Military Occupational Specialty Code 88M as an Army Motor Transport Operator and completed several advanced training courses, including the Army Basic Leader Course, Air Assault School, and Drill Sergeant School. She was assigned to the 6th Squadron - 8th Cavalry Regiment, where she was promoted to Staff Sergeant on August 1, 2022.

Staff Sergeant Butner was a proud and accomplished soldier, serving in the United States Army for nine years, including a tour in Kuwait. Throughout her career, Staff Sergeant Butner earned many commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War Expeditionary Medal, and numerous others.

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the day of Butner's interment services.