John Butchko
Tomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Aug 1959 - Oct 1960Society Membership
Founding FatherCurrent City / State
Swoyersville, PennsylvaniaObituary
Former Swoyersville Councilman John Butchko passed away Friday, September 9, 2011, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Born in Wilkes-Barre Township, a son of the late Charles and Anna Kish Butchko, John was a member of Holy Trinity Church, Swoyersville. He was employed by the Wyoming Valley Sewer Authority. John was a U.S. Army Veteran and was one of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He was a member of the American Legion Post 644, Swoyersville. John was also a founding member of the Society of Honor Guard Tomb of Unknown Soldier. He was very active in politics and served as a Councilman for the Borough of Swoyersville for many years. He was preceded in death by siblings, Ann, Marge, Mary, Michael and Helen. Surviving are his wife, the former Rosemarie Washko; children, Lynne McCann, Swoyersville; Maria Figmic, Nanticoke; John, Swoyersville, and Tammy Cook, Swoyersville; grandchildren, Abriel McCann, John and Matthew Butchko, Joshua, Ronald, Charles and Nicholas Cook; as well as sisters, Elizabeth Zbegner and Jean Miscavage, both of Plains Township.Outside Tributes
TributeMemories & Condolences
Share a Memory
Support the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
Do you guard in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?
YES, but the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier are never put at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be executed if the weather conditions ever place the Soldiers at risk of injury or death (i.e. lightning, high winds, etc). This ensures that Sentinels can continue the mission while ensuring safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.
It was erroneously reported that during Hurricane Isabel, the Sentinels were ordered to abandon their posts for shelter and that they refused. No such order was ever given. All proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the Sentinels while accomplishing their mission. Risk assessments are constantly conducted by the Chain of Command during changing conditions to ensure that soldier welfare is maintained during mission accomplishment.
