On a clear fall day near the shores of Lake Arthur, a group of family, friends and fellows in arms gathered to honor and remember an American hero who once called Butler County home.

Chris Hinkle, 51, who died Aug. 17 of colon cancer, was a 1989 graduate of Slippery Rock High School. He was a founding member of the Portersville/Muddy Creek EMS and a lifetime member of that community's volunteer fire department.

The spirited young man joined the Army in 1996 and rose through the ranks. This devoted soldier tackled the challenging 61-day Ranger training school and graduated in 2001 as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot.

"When he was at work, he was 100% soldier. When he was home, he was 100% dad," his brother, Todd Hinkle, said during his eulogy Saturday.

To protect his family and all Americans, Chris Hinkle faced hazards on foreign soil flying missions in Iraq and Afghanistan during his 20-year career. As an elite soldier following the Ranger creed, he always was battle ready. His exemplary service earned him two Bronze Stars, among other awards.

For Hinkle’s dedication and service the citizens of Butler County thank his family. County Commissioner Kevin Boozel read a proclamation declaring Sept. 24, 2022, as Christopher Brian Hinkle Day and praised Hinkle's commitment as a first responder here and a soldier abroad.

The Butler Veterans Honor Guard, representing different branches of the military, saluted Hinkle, who retired from the Army in 2016 as a chief warrant officer 4. He then continued to work as director of a training support center in Japan, where he moved his family in 2012 while serving, to train Japanese and American soldiers.

We should never forget this “silent hero,” as his wife, Angelia Hinkle, calls him.

"He never boasted or bragged about anything he did," she told the Butler Eagle last week.

His actions spoke louder than any words.

— DJS