Major General Robert L. Smolen ~ Knoch '70

Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert L. Smolen, who grew up in Butler, oversees the nation's arsenal of nuclear weapons. He is the deputy administrator for defense programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration. He sees to the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile and the readiness to test and develop new warheads, if required. 

† 18 May 2014

Rick Santorum ~ Attended BHS ~ Rep. Presidential Candidate

In a 1994 Butler Eagle interview when he was running for his first Senate term Rick Santorum said he had fond memories of Butler "the greatest place in the world to grow up, for so many reasons". [Iowa Caucus speech Jan 4, 2012]  

Photo: Businessinsider.com

Rep. Congressman Mike Kelly ~ BHS '66

From Car Dealer to Congress . . .

William J. Perry ~ BHS '45

William Perry, former Secretary of Defense, in Butler's Bicentenial parade.

March 12, 2000

[Photo: Paul Johnson]

Brig. Gen. Peter J. Talleri ~ BHS '75

From July 2006-June 2008 Brigadier General Peter J. Talleri of Butler, Pa. commanded 3d Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. In June of 2008, General Talleri reported to the Defense Logistics Agency for duty where he presently serves as Commander, Defense Distribution Center.

William J. Perry ~ Secretary of Defense ~ BHS '45

A onetime resident of Butler, William Perry is now a Professor at Stanford University. He is an expert in U.S. foreign policy, national security and arms control. He was the 19th Secretary of Defense for the United States, serving under President Clinton from February 1994 to January 1997.