TAMPA, Fla. — Being the first to accomplish something comes with a lot of pride for some people, but it can also bring pressure.

For a retired brigadier general who now lives in Tampa Bay, his journey to becoming the first Black general for the U.S. Army Special Forces came with obstacles that led to mentorship.

What You Need To Know

Butler says he faced challenges getting to the position, but it motivated him to help others

Butler wrote a book about his journey in a book titled “Lead From the Front”

If you ask retired Brig. Gen. Remo Butler why he joined the military, he’ll tell you it started with necessity.

“I love to eat, and I needed to make money,” he said.

Over time, he said, it became about leadership — a realization he came to while serving three years in Colombia.

“In Colombia, it’s just like our military was many years ago, you very seldom saw a Black officer,” he said.

Butler joined the military in 1974. At the time, he said there were very few Black men enlisted.

Butler said he faced barriers as he climbed the ranks. There were misconceptions: “Blacks won’t fight, and they aren’t smart enough.”

But Butler persevered — not only did he make it into special forces, but he also excelled.

In 2001, he became the first black brigadier general in the U.S. Army Special Forces.

Drawing on his own experience, he made mentorship a mission. “I wanted to give them the benefit of everything I had gone through, and when I got ready to retire, I was counseling regularly, probably about 10-15 minority special forces officers,” he said.

These days, statistics show Black or African Americans make up a significant portion of the U.S. active-duty military, about 17 to 21% overall.

Butler retired in 2004 but continues to inspire through his book, “Lead From the Front,” a motivational guide.

“Understand what they need to do to be successful regardless of race, creed, color, or whatever,” he said.

He’s still helping to pave the way for future generations of Black men and women in uniform, or anyone looking to serve.

“Lead From the Front” will be available online on February 1.