Eric Butera

Pursuing an education at the university level isn't just limited to high school graduates. People of all backgrounds and ages are now returning to the college or university environment in an effort to re-pursue their education, as well as to reinvigorate their careers. For Eric Butera, the need for more education was no different than any other.  Now a retired service member, Eric Butera took advantage of his opportunity to increase his knowledge and improve his skill set during his service. He is now, however, taking his education into a new direction.

Eric Butera encountered the trauma and the large amount of stress that impact war-weary soldiers every day. The post-war years of a veteran’s life can be just as demanding as those spent in a combat situation. Eric Butera understands that there are many veterans who constantly relive the horror of their war experiences, bombarded repeatedly by bad memories on a daily basis. Sometimes these events can hinder a veteran’s opportunity to move forward and be successful as a civilian. 

Eric Butera made the choice to enter into an internship at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center during his academic career at the University of Utah. Eric Butera, a man with previous medical training, was a soldier who could sympathize with the needs of other veterans, and he knew that by using recreational therapy as a way to working with other veterans, he could make a substantial and positive difference in their lives. Eric Butera valued the time and effort he provided veterans at the Medical Center.