A conversation with Colonel Bill Butler reveals the heart and mission behind Columbus, Ohio’s living tribute to our nation’s veterans.
From Service to Storytelling: The Museum’s Unique Mandate
Every November, the nation turns its gaze to the service and sacrifice of the U.S. military. In Columbus, Ohio, that tribute has found a home at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM)—the first museum in the U.S. dedicated not just to branches or battles, but to the individual stories and lifelong experiences of American veterans. In a recent “Looking Forward Our Way” podcast episode, hosts Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca sat down with NVMM’s President, Colonel Bill Butler, to discuss the museum’s mission, history, and impact.
A Veteran’s Journey: Colonel Butler’s Story
Colonel Butler’s journey is the kind that weaves together family heritage, personal ambition, and a deeper desire to serve. Raised in Cincinnati by a Vietnam veteran, Butler grew up immersed in military culture, developing a fascination that followed him through ROTC at Eastern Kentucky University, Ranger School, and 27 years in the Army across the globe. His service included multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and an encore civilian career supporting the military overseas—before fate brought him back to Ohio and to NVMM in 2019.
Butler’s experience echoes that of so many veterans: the challenge of translating military skills into civilian life, the importance of redefining purpose after service, and the ongoing search for meaningful connection. As Butler notes, “I’ve got to have a sense of purpose.” Through his leadership at NVMM, he’s found a way to serve not only fellow veterans but also the broader community.
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) Origin Story
NVMM’s existence can be traced back to Ohio’s most famous astronaut and veteran, John Glenn. From his apartment overlooking the old Franklin County Veterans Memorial, Glenn saw an opportunity. Rather than merely renovating a deteriorating building, he championed the creation of a national site that transcended divisions of branch and era, focusing on the lived experiences—and untold stories—of veterans.
With $82 million in private donations and local support, the museum opened in 2018 with a philosophy centered on four founding pillars: Honor, Connect, Inspire, Educate. These pillars shape everything at NVMM, from the design of its award-winning building to the interactive journeys inside.
Exhibits That Connect Across Generations
What separates NVMM from traditional military museums is its focus on people rather than hardware or history books. Upon entering, visitors encounter the Veteran Portrait Project—powerful paired photographs that humanize veterans, showing both who they were at the time of their service and who they are today. Storytelling is core: through timelines, thematic alcoves, and recorded interviews, the museum highlights the diverse spectrum of military service, from Revolutionary War figures like Deborah Sampson to present-day veterans of all backgrounds.
These exhibits serve not only as educational tools but as healing spaces. Butler shares poignant tales of Vietnam veterans who, after decades of silence, finally feel welcome and validated thanks to moments spent in the museum.
Reaching Outward: Programs, Partnerships, and Community
NVMM is much more than a static display—it’s an active hub for education, healing, and civic engagement. The museum partners with organizations such as Honor Flight, welcoming hundreds of veterans and their families each year, and hosts temporary exhibits that leverage art and personal narrative to explore PTSD, remembrance, and resilience.
The museum’s programming supports educators, offering field trips, virtual tours, and programs that connect students directly with veterans’ narratives. NVMM also maintains a commitment to community revitalization, acting as both a cultural beacon and an anchor for the rebirth of Columbus’s Franklinton neighborhood.
Sustaining the Mission: How the Community Can Help
NVMM operates without federal funding, relying on memberships, partnerships, event hosting, and commemorative initiatives like its “Flag Campaign.” Local corporations and individuals alike can support the museum not only through financial sponsorships but also by attending events, renting space for community gatherings, or simply telling veterans’ stories.
Butler’s advice? Go further than a simple “thank you” to veterans. Ask about their service. Listen to their stories. In doing so, we not only honor individual sacrifice but also deepen our understanding of what it means to serve—and what we owe those who have.
Visit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum website for upcoming events, educator resources, and ways to support their mission: NVMM.org. This November, make a point to connect, reflect, and be inspired by the stories that shape our nation.
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Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
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