Butler native takes command of 377th Vertical Engineering Co.
BUTLER TWP — As a child, Elizabeth Small routinely witnessed her father returning to their Center Township home, dressed in his Army Reserve uniform.
It has been 10 years since graduating from Butler High School, now Army Reserves Capt. Elizabeth Lewis brings her own uniform home to Butler in more ways than one.
Lewis, a 2011 U.S. Military Academy graduate, took command of the 377th Vertical Engineering Company, which operates from the Army Reserve Center, 360 Evans City Road, Butler Township.
“It was very exciting,” Lewis said.
Lewis will lead the company in training and civil works that will prepare the soldiers in case they are called to action. Lewis said her top priority is making sure her soldiers are prepared.
“My first goal will be to efficiently plan training so the soldiers can have the best training possible so they can be the best possible at their job,” she said.
Lewis said she met some, but not all, of the soldiers under her command.
“I was impressed by the caliber of skill that each soldier has in the company and the discipline that the soldiers demonstrated throughout the weekend,” she said.
Lewis' parents said they couldn't be more proud of the woman and soldier she has become, and they want to continue to watch her grow and see the world.
“She's gone around in her short time,” Jane Small said. “We've certainly enjoyed seeing her progress from grade school until now.”
