Outgoing Idaho Governor Butch Otter will soon receive the Idaho Distinguished Service Medal.
Brigadier general Michael Garshak, commander of the Idaho National Guard, will present the award to Otter Tuesday afternoon in Boise. The Distinguished Service Medal is one of the Idaho Military Division’s highest awards and is presented for exceptionally meritorious service.
Otter is being recognized for his outstanding and dedicated service during his 12-year tenure as commander in chief of the Idaho National Guard. Otter oversaw numerous Idaho National Guard deployments, to include the state’s two largest units, the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team and the 124th Fighter Wing, as well as multiple deployments of the Idaho Army National Guard’s state aviation group and various other units.
During his tenure, the state of Idaho was affected by 33 state disasters, nine public assistance federal disasters, and 13 federal fire disasters. During each event, Otter worked closely with the Idaho National Guard and the Idaho Office of Emergency Management to coordinate each disaster response.
Additionally, Otter was instrumental in the development of the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Pierce, which has provided a second chance for more than 1,000 Idaho high school students since 2014.
Otter previously served in the 116th Armored Cavalry as a cavalry scout from 1968 to 1973. (Idaho National Guard)
