June 18, 2026 • 22 mins
Captain Scott Butler joins David Wheeler on this episode to discuss the campaign of their mutual friend, Brian Bengs, who is running for the United States Senate in South Dakota. Scott, a retired Navy officer with a deep history serving alongside Brian, emphasizes the candidate's strong work ethic, ethical standards, and commitment to serving the people rather than self-interest. Their conversation highlights Brian's unique qualifications and character, showcasing not only his military background but also his principled approach to leadership. As they delve into anecdotes from their time together, Scott illustrates how Brian's dedication and accountability make him the right choice for South Dakota. The episode is a heartfelt endorsement for Brian Bengs, emphasizing his readiness to bring positive change to the Senate. David Wheeler hosts Captain Scott Butler on American Muckrakers, where they delve into the Senate campaign of Brian Bengs, a man Butler has known for over 16 years. Butler, a former Navy officer, passionately advocates for Bengs, sharing insights from their time together at NATO, where Bengs served as a lead legal advisor. He describes Bengs as not only a brilliant legal mind but also a dedicated public servant who exemplifies the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Their shared experiences in navigating complex international legal frameworks highlight Bengs' ability to handle difficult situations with poise and accountability, making him an ideal candidate for the Senate. Butler paints a vivid picture of Bengs' work ethic, recalling how he consistently went above and beyond in his duties, often making Butler feel as if he was slacking by comparison. This dedication is reflected in Bengs' teaching methods, where he reached across cultural divides to impart essential lessons on military ethics to students from various nations. Butler emphasizes that Bengs embodies the core values of honor, courage, and commitment that are crucial for effective leadership in today’s political landscape. He believes that Bengs' candidacy represents a refreshing shift away from self-serving politics and towards genuine public service, which is sorely needed in South Dakota and across the nation. As the episode progresses, Butler discusses the ethical challenges facing politicians today, arguing that Bengs is uniquely qualified to address these issues due to his unwavering commitment to accountability. He expresses hope that the voters of South Dakota will recognize Bengs' potential to lead with integrity and serve the interests of the people rather than party agendas. The conversation culminates in Butler's heartfelt plea for support, urging listeners to consider Bengs not only as a candidate but as a person of character who will bring a principled approach to governance. This episode serves as a powerful endorsement of Bengs, illustrating the critical need for leaders who prioritize ethical conduct and genuine service in political office.
Takeaways:
- Captain Scott Butler shares his strong belief that Brian Bengs is the right candidate for the Senate, emphasizing his dedication and work ethic.
- The relationship between Scott and Brian Bengs is rooted in years of military service, reflecting a deep mutual respect and camaraderie.
- Scott recounts how Brian Bengs handled difficult situations during their time at NATO, showcasing his principled approach to leadership and accountability.
- The discussion highlights Brian Bengs's commitment to ethics in politics, emphasizing the importance of integrity and public service in his campaign.
- Scott Butler describes South Dakota as a welcoming place, suggesting that Brian's approach to politics aligns well with the values of its residents.
- The podcast emphasizes Brian Bengs's independence from political parties, which Scott believes enables him to advocate for the people of South Dakota without self-interest.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- American Muckrakers
- United States Air Force
- NATO
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Northern South Dakota State
- Senator John McCain
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Hey, folks, this is DavidWheeler with American Muckrakers
and muck you. And today we'vegot Captain Scott Butler on in one
of our series of folks thatwe're asking to testify on behalf
of our good friend Brian Bengsin South Dakota. Welcome to the show,
(00:25):
Scott.
Hey, David, thanks so much forhaving me and it really is a pleasure
to talk to you and to themuckraker nation. And I'm glad to
have the opportunity totestify or at least to talk about
Brian Bengs as he faces atough race in South Dakota. But I
really think he's the rightman for the job.
You're, you're absolutelyright. He's the right man and that's
why we're spending time andenergy on this and taking up a little
(00:48):
bit of your day. So where,where are you today? And, and how
do you know Scott? Or how doyou know Brian? Sorry.
That's okay, David. I'mtalking to the crowd today from Virginia
Beach, Virginia. I was a 30year Navy officer and spent most
of my time flying Navyfighters, F14s and F18s. I ended
up retiring here in Virginiabeach in 2018 and have stayed here,
(01:11):
stayed here ever since. So,just across the border from you in
North Carolina. But I've knownBrian for more than a decade. We
initially served together whenhe was an active duty Air Force Judge
Advocate General. That's thelawyer corps, the attorneys for United
States Air Force. When we wereserving together for NATO, the North
Atlantic Treaty alliance in asmall area called Oberammergau, Germany,
(01:34):
we were both working at theNATO school in Oberammergau, Germany.
Cool. So you've known him howmany years now?
16 years.
Wow. And you were notnecessarily in combat together, but
you know, when you're in themilitary and in a courtroom, whether
it's civil or military, I'msure it sometimes feels like battle.
There were times at NATOschool, although it's a small command,
(01:56):
less than 300 people there,but there are officers and enlisted
folks serving from all thedifferent members of NATO countries,
so some 32 nations. And attimes it felt a little combative,
I have to be honest, becausealthough we're all partners within
the alliance, everyone bringsa different set of work ethics and
morals to the job. And soBrian, as I was the commandant, I
(02:17):
was the commander of theschool and Brian was my lead U.S.
attorney. So he helped me sortthrough a lot of sticky situations
that required some sensitivityto both international law and the
expectations of those nationsthat were serving there.
So you were not only A lawyer,but kind of a diplomat. It sounds
like I was more the.
Diplomat and Brian wasdefinitely the lawyer. So, yeah,
(02:40):
it took a team. It took a teamto get that done. He was, he was
supported by several Germanattorneys. But at the end of the
day, because the NATO schoolis primarily under the US Military
code of ethics, Brian was mylead attorney and he really steered
me clearly through some verydifficult international situations.
Terrific. Well, we're heretoday with Scott Butler from Philadelphia,
(03:05):
a good friend and formercolleague of our chosen candidate,
Brian Bengs, here on Muck you.So, Scott, tell us a little bit more
about did you hire Brian orwas he assigned to you or how did
you come to come to work with him?
Sure. This falls under theaxiom that it's better to be lucky
(03:28):
sometimes than good. So I wasjust lucky. I inherited Brian when
I showed up at the school. Hewas assigned there by the United
States Air Force primarilybecause of his experience, his deep
experience in internationallaw and international relations.
And so I was the beneficiaryof an Air Force decision, but I was
grateful to them for theentire time that we served there
together, which was almostfour years.
(03:49):
Wow. So four years is a longtime in the military to work together.
Yes, sir. Tell us what, tellus a little bit about Brian's work
habits and his ability to getthings done.
So again I mentioned, I'm a 30year Navy veteran, and during that
career I've had theopportunity, I had the opportunity
to serve with some of the bestand brightest, most passionate, most
(04:10):
dedicated Americans that ourcountry can offer. And Brian stands
at the very top of that line.Not just wicked smart, as they would
say up north, but alsoprincipled, intelligent, dedicated.
I used to joke that, you know,even as the commander, you would
expect that I'd be the oneworking hardest for the good of the
(04:32):
command. But Brian's workethic made me look like I was pretty
lazy. So it was great to havethat kind of support for the entire
time. And I, I know he'sbrought that to his entire career.
I'm not sure how widely knownit is, and I, I hope that I don't
go too far off script here,but, you know, Brian actually started
off in the Air Force, whichfor us Navy guys, Navy tribe, means
(04:53):
that he actually hadn't servedin the military.
Be careful. Be careful. AirForce guys on here and women.
But if they are Air Forceguys, they'll get the joke and I
think they'll chuckle along.But yeah, the Air Force invested
a lot into Brian training himup, making His. Sure, he was an expert
(05:13):
in his trade, and it paid offfor me at the NATO school because
he was more than just my legaladvisor, to be honest, he was one
of my primary educators, whichmeans that for the more than 10,000
students that would comethrough the school each year, Brian
stood in front of many of themto teach them about the law of war,
about military ethics andthose kinds of things. And he was
(05:35):
always ranked very highly bythose students that sat through his
presentations.
And I think he's carried onteaching a little bit. We. We had
Professor Monahan fromNorthern. Must be Northern South
Dakota State on, and his. Herclasses always increase in attendance
(05:57):
whenever Brian is the substitute.
But.
So let's talk a little bitabout ethics. You know, without getting
into the politics of. Of theday, military and ethics seem like
they're opposite definitionsthese days. Where. Where does ethics
sit in the military, in yourview? In the past, and maybe a couple
(06:21):
examples of. Of Brian'steaching method around ethics.
Thanks. Thanks for that. So,you know, Brian embodies the core
values for the Navy, you know,of courage, honor, and commitment.
And at least for those withwhom I've served, again, I've been
retired for about eight yearsnow. That was important. That was
at the core of who we were. Imean, we served with honor. We served
(06:43):
each other. We upheld theConstitution. That was primarily
what we did. And, you know,Brian is about principle. And he
also understands that with ourrights comes great responsibilities.
So he would teach that tofolks from, again, a myriad of nations,
and some weren't even NATO,some were from partner nations where
some of those ethics weren'tbuilt into their military code. And
(07:06):
so he was often challengedabout, you know, why was it important
to have a code of conduct, whywas it important to follow the rules
of engagement? And again, heis a better extemporaneous speaker
than am I, which is why I'msure he's been a great professor
since his retirement. But healways found the right answers and
the way to reach out acrosscultural lines. So, you know, what
works for a US Service memberto help them better understand the
(07:29):
code by which we serve may notbe the right words to talk to someone
from another nation, likeBulgaria or any of the other nations
that served. But Brianinvariably found a way to reach across
that cultural divide and makesure they understood why he was instructing
the way he was and why he heldthe values that he does and does
before and does to this day.
So, Commandant. Captain, haveyou been to South Dakota yet?
(07:53):
Yes, sir. Not since Brian'sbeen running there but many times
in my childhood. I mean, it istruly one of the most beautiful states
in our nation. And, you know,appreciate just the openness, the
vastness of it. The, the folksthere are tremendously warm and welcoming.
They are, this is toooverused, I guess, the salt of the
earth. But they are justtremendously nice, hard working people
(08:14):
that I, I think would welcomeBrian's approach to life and to politics
because he is who he seems tobe and he walks the walk. What he
tells you is what he believes.
Well, we got to get you backout there because you're a great
spokesman for Brian and, and,and you're coming at it from facts.
You know, you're not simplytrying to gratiate yourself or trying
(08:38):
to look smarter than him.Well, you sound like a really good
guy. And the sort of personthat Brian associates himself with
is also a definition of him.So, Captain, I, I really appreciate
you talking today again. Thisis Mucku with Captain Scott Butler.
(09:00):
He's in Phil. Philadelphia, orhe's from Philadelphia, but he's
in Virginia now. And we'retalking about our good friend Brian
Bengs and why he ought to bein the United States Senate. So Captain,
tell us a good, good storyabout Brian that may embarrass him
without embarrassing him toomuch, but Jennifer had a good story.
(09:23):
Have you met his wife, Jennifer?
Yes, we were, we were veryclose friends and I guess I should
have brought this up. Therewas, for about a year and a half
of our time there together, wewere actually neighbors living down
in that little village of OberAmmergal. So I've known Jennifer
and their two lovely daughtersfor as long as I know Brian.
Oh, wow, that's cool. That'sgreat. So give us that story, would
(09:43):
you?
Well, I prefer to tell one ifthat's okay, without embarrassing
him. But it goes back to howBrian walks and lives. The code.
And it has to do with aspecific event at NATO school where
when I arrived that some ofthe German national employees, some
of the finance folks had beendoing some really, really sketchy
things with the school'sfinances for years and years, to
(10:05):
be honest. And people beforeBrian and before myself had kind
of elected to turn a blind eyeto that. But that's just not the
way Brian operates. So Iremember not long into my command
tour, Brian came to me andpresented this case and said, this
is going to be difficult,Captain Butler, but it's the right
thing to do to hold thesepeople accountable. And I think the
quote he used again, I may notbe attributing it to him. It could
(10:27):
be Winston Churchill. But youtake care of the good people by taking
care of the bad people. And sothat was a difficult presentation.
It took a lot of guts to cometo me and to stand up for that. But
he followed through with thatand did the right thing. And as he
said, we took care of the goodpeople working hard at the school
by taking care of those thatweren't necessarily keeping the school's
(10:48):
best interests at heart. AndI'm convinced that Brian hasn't changed
since then. So were he to beelected to the Senate, as I deeply
hope he will be, he will takethat same level of accountability
with him. I mean, he will holdthe people accountable. He will take
care of those that aren't sogood, that don't have the best interests
of South Dakota or the bestinterests of this country in mind
(11:10):
to make sure that those thatdo have have the best chance to serve
both the people of SouthDakota and the people of this great
nation.
So you're not going to give methat story? That's all right. I appreciate
your candor. And I'll just say this.
If Brian ever passes himselfoff as, I don't know, like an exceptionally
good outdoorsman or skier, Imean, I know he lives by the cowboy
(11:32):
code, I know he's toughened upin South Dakota, and the beard really
does help him look the role.But I. I've seen Brian on the ski
slopes and he's not. He's notgood. He's not.
All right, well, we got alittle bit of a story out of it.
So have you had a chance tomeet many politicians or work with
them in the past?
(11:52):
Yeah, it's interesting. One ofmy most memorable tours, honestly,
I had a one year kind of outof body experience where I was selected
to go work in the office ofSenator John McCain. So. And that
was during the election yearof 2008. So I got to see a hero of
mine, honestly. You know, Iwas a Navy flyer. He was a Navy flyer.
(12:13):
And to be a part of hislegislative staff while he was running
for the presidency and withSarah Palin and others. So I have
a chance to see really at themost intimate level, the functioning
of the highest level of our USgovernment, at least in the executive
or in the legislative branch,which was a completely eye opening
(12:34):
experience for me. I had spentmost of my time before then just
flying jets, living, living oncarriers, serving the Navy. So to
come to a place and have toput on a suit and tie Every day.
And to talk to people thatwere, some of whom were career politicians,
many of whom were not. It wasreally an interesting experience
for me.
I bet it was. And what a greatman. I think Senator McCain would
(12:55):
probably be a fan of Ryan's today.
There's no doubt in my mind ifhe were alive. Yeah, there's no doubt
in my mind.
And I wish, I wish we just. Iwish he was still around, because
I think he would bring some.Some sanity to what's happening in
the United States Senate rightnow that isn't there.
If I could mention one thing,I mean. So go ahead. McCain. Senator
McCain, JSM always consideredhimself a maverick. Right. Kind of
(13:20):
speak truth to power. But, youknow, again, some of the things that
I know Brian stands for is dowhat has to be done. That, that is.
Well, maybe some listenersremember when McCain was held out
for. For killing theaffordable, you know, put the thumbs
down at the last moment andkill the medical bill. He knew that
had to be done. He also knewthat when you make a promise, you
have to keep it. That camefrom his military service, from his
(13:43):
commitment to his fellowprisoners of war when he was in Vietnam
as a prisoner of war. And thatdefined his character. And I think
it defines Brian as Well, heis. McCain was. And Brian is a tough
but fair leader, a great judgeof character, and again, who embodies
what he says and he walks thewalk. So what Brian says, he lives
(14:05):
or believes, that's how helives his life.
Yeah. You know, what I reallyenjoyed about McCain was he didn't
really seem to take himselftoo seriously. I mean, he could have
a good laugh and obviouslyposture himself when needed, but
I just. I just miss that kindof leadership and, and I hope Brian
can bring it, bring that tothe United States Senate. So you've
(14:26):
worked with some politicians.Some, I'm sure, less than interesting
than McCain. Do me a favor andtell us, you know, you've been around
the block a couple times,you've landed on a couple carriers
here and there.
Sure.
What, what sort of characterin Brian makes you think he'd be
(14:46):
a good senator?
I think I've mentioned some ofthe things, David. I guess. I think
so. Politics and theprofession of being a politician
has come since maybe Johnpassed away. But certainly the last
couple years, politics andpoliticians have come to sound like.
I hate to say a dirty word.Right. They can't be trusted. All
(15:09):
they are is their own selfinterests. They'll say and do anything.
And I know the joke. Thenumber one job of every Politician
everywhere on the planet. Thenumber one job is to get reelected.
But I don't think Brian seesit that way. I think I'm pretty convinced.
I know that he is. Advocatesterm limits. So he's not looking
to get himself into aposition, his last job, for the rest
(15:32):
of his life. He's looking toliterally serve the people of this
great state of South Dakota.He wants to get in there and make
a difference. He's going tosay and do those things that are
necessary to help the peopleof South Dakota, to help America.
And he won't be afraid to dothat. He's not working for his next
job. He's in a job that thepeople of South Dakota have sent
him there to do. And I don'tthink a day will go by where he doesn't
(15:53):
reflect on that and act onthat, which is the kind of politicians
I would argue we need fromevery state in America.
Yeah, I agree. Can you imaginehim in the Senate? I mean, it'd just
be a bright new day to seeBrian working in Senate and casting
votes that matter and maybeholding this administration accountable
(16:14):
once in a while.
From the, from the day that Ilearned he was running until today,
when I've had a chance to talkpublicly about it, I thought of nothing
else. I mean, I really, I hopethat there's a way to find, you know,
I understand especially wellacross our nation with the more or
less two party system. Brianrunning as an independent is. It
is a more difficult road. ButI think that level of independence,
(16:36):
that fact that he's notbeholden to Super PACs or to one
of the two reigning partiesempowers him even more. So he's able
to without fear of retributionor of losing the party support, he's
able to say and do thosethings that need to be said and done.
Yeah, I think it was a verysmart move on his part. We just need
to get this Democrat torealize that he doesn't have a chance
(17:00):
against Rounds. And if he wereto endorse Brian, it would probably
be the most magnanimous thinghe'd do in his life. But we'll, we'll
leave that for another day.So, Captain, I, I think you need
to get out to South Dakota andspend some time on the ground, not
only with Brian, but you know,there's obviously a huge navy or
(17:24):
large military presence atSouth Dakota.
Yes, sir.
People need to, people need tohear directly from you about this,
that you're very articulate,you're smart, obviously, and you
know the guy. So I would. Idon't want to tell you what to do,
but. And obviously Brian hashis campaign managers and team in
place, but just listening toyou today and having been around
(17:46):
politics, I think people wouldreally warm up to a guy from the
east coast that knows Brianand, and can talk about Brian from
the heart. And so I would, I'dencourage you before too long to
maybe make some plans to do atour out there. And I'll, I'll go
and I'll come drive you andhelp you.
(18:08):
I hope you like long drives.It's, it's a pretty, it's a pretty
big state. So listen.
Yeah, yeah. No road time iswhen I, my thinking time. So I love
a good road trip, but. So. Allright, well, Captain Scott Butler
has been with us today here onmucu. I really appreciate your time
and your endorsement. O',Brien, why don't you take us out
(18:31):
with your final words on the,on the Bengs family and Jennifer
and Brian and the girls andwe'll call that a day.
All right. Well, it's been a,it's been an honor and a pleasure
to talk with you, David, andthe entire muck wrecker audience.
I, I hope that what I've saidhas done no harm, if nothing else
(18:52):
before else do no harm and hasgiven the listeners a little bit
of a better insight into thecharacter of my friend and former
military comrade, Brian Bengs.His, his commitment to the state
of South Dakota is equaled byhis commitment to his family. It's,
it's a great family. So if youwant to look into the character of
a man, you can look maybe nofurther than his family because they
(19:16):
are truly the best of thebest. I hope that the people of South
Dakota. I pray that the peopleof South Dakota can find a way to
send Brian through and put himin Washington where he will begin
the process of doing thingsthat actually benefit South Dakotans
and not just himself or hisfamily and will hold those in power
accountable. I think those aretwo important things, especially
(19:38):
in the times we live in. So Icouldn't be more proud to have a
chance to talk about Brianbecause it has been my pleasuretoknowhim
foranumberofyears.AndlikeImentioned,IhopeSouth Dakotascando
therightthingandsendhimtoWashington.
All right. Well, that's aterrific endorsement. You heard it
directly from his colleagueand friend, Brian's colleague and
friend, captain Scott Butlertoday on muck. You. If you like what
(20:03):
you heard, please go to voteroi.com that's v o t e r o I dot
com. BB that's Brian's landingpage. Make a donation. We all know
that campaigns cannot surviveunless they've got money. 25 bucks.
50 bucks. I think you can giveup to 6,500 if you're interested.
(20:27):
Brian needs that ammunitionright now to. To win this race. And,
and. And here at McHugh, we'vefully endorsed Brian. And again,
thank you to Captain ScottButler today. Thank you.
My pleasure. Thanks for.Thanks for the time.
You bet.
Hey, folks, this is DavidWheeler with American Muckrakers
and muck you. And today we'vegot Captain Scott Butler on in one
of our series of folks thatwe're asking to testify on behalf
of our good friend Brian Bengsin South Dakota. Welcome to the show,
(00:25):
Scott.
Hey, David, thanks so much forhaving me and it really is a pleasure
to talk to you and to themuckraker nation. And I'm glad to
have the opportunity totestify or at least to talk about
Brian Bengs as he faces atough race in South Dakota. But I
really think he's the rightman for the job.
You're, you're absolutelyright. He's the right man and that's
why we're spending time andenergy on this and taking up a little
(00:48):
bit of your day. So where,where are you today? And, and how
do you know Scott? Or how doyou know Brian? Sorry.
That's okay, David. I'mtalking to the crowd today from Virginia
Beach, Virginia. I was a 30year Navy officer and spent most
of my time flying Navyfighters, F14s and F18s. I ended
up retiring here in Virginiabeach in 2018 and have stayed here,
(01:11):
stayed here ever since. So,just across the border from you in
North Carolina. But I've knownBrian for more than a decade. We
initially served together whenhe was an active duty Air Force Judge
Advocate General. That's thelawyer corps, the attorneys for United
States Air Force. When we wereserving together for NATO, the North
Atlantic Treaty alliance in asmall area called Oberammergau, Germany,
(01:34):
we were both working at theNATO school in Oberammergau, Germany.
Cool. So you've known him howmany years now?
16 years.
Wow. And you were notnecessarily in combat together, but
you know, when you're in themilitary and in a courtroom, whether
it's civil or military, I'msure it sometimes feels like battle.
There were times at NATOschool, although it's a small command,
(01:56):
less than 300 people there,but there are officers and enlisted
folks serving from all thedifferent members of NATO countries,
so some 32 nations. And attimes it felt a little combative,
I have to be honest, becausealthough we're all partners within
the alliance, everyone bringsa different set of work ethics and
morals to the job. And soBrian, as I was the commandant, I
(02:17):
was the commander of theschool and Brian was my lead U.S.
attorney. So he helped me sortthrough a lot of sticky situations
that required some sensitivityto both international law and the
expectations of those nationsthat were serving there.
So you were not only A lawyer,but kind of a diplomat. It sounds
like I was more the.
Diplomat and Brian wasdefinitely the lawyer. So, yeah,
(02:40):
it took a team. It took a teamto get that done. He was, he was
supported by several Germanattorneys. But at the end of the
day, because the NATO schoolis primarily under the US Military
code of ethics, Brian was mylead attorney and he really steered
me clearly through some verydifficult international situations.
Terrific. Well, we're heretoday with Scott Butler from Philadelphia,
(03:05):
a good friend and formercolleague of our chosen candidate,
Brian Bengs, here on Muck you.So, Scott, tell us a little bit more
about did you hire Brian orwas he assigned to you or how did
you come to come to work with him?
Sure. This falls under theaxiom that it's better to be lucky
(03:28):
sometimes than good. So I wasjust lucky. I inherited Brian when
I showed up at the school. Hewas assigned there by the United
States Air Force primarilybecause of his experience, his deep
experience in internationallaw and international relations.
And so I was the beneficiaryof an Air Force decision, but I was
grateful to them for theentire time that we served there
together, which was almostfour years.
(03:49):
Wow. So four years is a longtime in the military to work together.
Yes, sir. Tell us what, tellus a little bit about Brian's work
habits and his ability to getthings done.
So again I mentioned, I'm a 30year Navy veteran, and during that
career I've had theopportunity, I had the opportunity
to serve with some of the bestand brightest, most passionate, most
(04:10):
dedicated Americans that ourcountry can offer. And Brian stands
at the very top of that line.Not just wicked smart, as they would
say up north, but alsoprincipled, intelligent, dedicated.
I used to joke that, you know,even as the commander, you would
expect that I'd be the oneworking hardest for the good of the
(04:32):
command. But Brian's workethic made me look like I was pretty
lazy. So it was great to havethat kind of support for the entire
time. And I, I know he'sbrought that to his entire career.
I'm not sure how widely knownit is, and I, I hope that I don't
go too far off script here,but, you know, Brian actually started
off in the Air Force, whichfor us Navy guys, Navy tribe, means
(04:53):
that he actually hadn't servedin the military.
Be careful. Be careful. AirForce guys on here and women.
But if they are Air Forceguys, they'll get the joke and I
think they'll chuckle along.But yeah, the Air Force invested
a lot into Brian training himup, making His. Sure, he was an expert
(05:13):
in his trade, and it paid offfor me at the NATO school because
he was more than just my legaladvisor, to be honest, he was one
of my primary educators, whichmeans that for the more than 10,000
students that would comethrough the school each year, Brian
stood in front of many of themto teach them about the law of war,
about military ethics andthose kinds of things. And he was
(05:35):
always ranked very highly bythose students that sat through his
presentations.
And I think he's carried onteaching a little bit. We. We had
Professor Monahan fromNorthern. Must be Northern South
Dakota State on, and his. Herclasses always increase in attendance
(05:57):
whenever Brian is the substitute.
But.
So let's talk a little bitabout ethics. You know, without getting
into the politics of. Of theday, military and ethics seem like
they're opposite definitionsthese days. Where. Where does ethics
sit in the military, in yourview? In the past, and maybe a couple
(06:21):
examples of. Of Brian'steaching method around ethics.
Thanks. Thanks for that. So,you know, Brian embodies the core
values for the Navy, you know,of courage, honor, and commitment.
And at least for those withwhom I've served, again, I've been
retired for about eight yearsnow. That was important. That was
at the core of who we were. Imean, we served with honor. We served
(06:43):
each other. We upheld theConstitution. That was primarily
what we did. And, you know,Brian is about principle. And he
also understands that with ourrights comes great responsibilities.
So he would teach that tofolks from, again, a myriad of nations,
and some weren't even NATO,some were from partner nations where
some of those ethics weren'tbuilt into their military code. And
(07:06):
so he was often challengedabout, you know, why was it important
to have a code of conduct, whywas it important to follow the rules
of engagement? And again, heis a better extemporaneous speaker
than am I, which is why I'msure he's been a great professor
since his retirement. But healways found the right answers and
the way to reach out acrosscultural lines. So, you know, what
works for a US Service memberto help them better understand the
(07:29):
code by which we serve may notbe the right words to talk to someone
from another nation, likeBulgaria or any of the other nations
that served. But Brianinvariably found a way to reach across
that cultural divide and makesure they understood why he was instructing
the way he was and why he heldthe values that he does and does
before and does to this day.
So, Commandant. Captain, haveyou been to South Dakota yet?
(07:53):
Yes, sir. Not since Brian'sbeen running there but many times
in my childhood. I mean, it istruly one of the most beautiful states
in our nation. And, you know,appreciate just the openness, the
vastness of it. The, the folksthere are tremendously warm and welcoming.
They are, this is toooverused, I guess, the salt of the
earth. But they are justtremendously nice, hard working people
(08:14):
that I, I think would welcomeBrian's approach to life and to politics
because he is who he seems tobe and he walks the walk. What he
tells you is what he believes.
Well, we got to get you backout there because you're a great
spokesman for Brian and, and,and you're coming at it from facts.
You know, you're not simplytrying to gratiate yourself or trying
(08:38):
to look smarter than him.Well, you sound like a really good
guy. And the sort of personthat Brian associates himself with
is also a definition of him.So, Captain, I, I really appreciate
you talking today again. Thisis Mucku with Captain Scott Butler.
(09:00):
He's in Phil. Philadelphia, orhe's from Philadelphia, but he's
in Virginia now. And we'retalking about our good friend Brian
Bengs and why he ought to bein the United States Senate. So Captain,
tell us a good, good storyabout Brian that may embarrass him
without embarrassing him toomuch, but Jennifer had a good story.
(09:23):
Have you met his wife, Jennifer?
Yes, we were, we were veryclose friends and I guess I should
have brought this up. Therewas, for about a year and a half
of our time there together, wewere actually neighbors living down
in that little village of OberAmmergal. So I've known Jennifer
and their two lovely daughtersfor as long as I know Brian.
Oh, wow, that's cool. That'sgreat. So give us that story, would
(09:43):
you?
Well, I prefer to tell one ifthat's okay, without embarrassing
him. But it goes back to howBrian walks and lives. The code.
And it has to do with aspecific event at NATO school where
when I arrived that some ofthe German national employees, some
of the finance folks had beendoing some really, really sketchy
things with the school'sfinances for years and years, to
(10:05):
be honest. And people beforeBrian and before myself had kind
of elected to turn a blind eyeto that. But that's just not the
way Brian operates. So Iremember not long into my command
tour, Brian came to me andpresented this case and said, this
is going to be difficult,Captain Butler, but it's the right
thing to do to hold thesepeople accountable. And I think the
quote he used again, I may notbe attributing it to him. It could
(10:27):
be Winston Churchill. But youtake care of the good people by taking
care of the bad people. And sothat was a difficult presentation.
It took a lot of guts to cometo me and to stand up for that. But
he followed through with thatand did the right thing. And as he
said, we took care of the goodpeople working hard at the school
by taking care of those thatweren't necessarily keeping the school's
(10:48):
best interests at heart. AndI'm convinced that Brian hasn't changed
since then. So were he to beelected to the Senate, as I deeply
hope he will be, he will takethat same level of accountability
with him. I mean, he will holdthe people accountable. He will take
care of those that aren't sogood, that don't have the best interests
of South Dakota or the bestinterests of this country in mind
(11:10):
to make sure that those thatdo have have the best chance to serve
both the people of SouthDakota and the people of this great
nation.
So you're not going to give methat story? That's all right. I appreciate
your candor. And I'll just say this.
If Brian ever passes himselfoff as, I don't know, like an exceptionally
good outdoorsman or skier, Imean, I know he lives by the cowboy
(11:32):
code, I know he's toughened upin South Dakota, and the beard really
does help him look the role.But I. I've seen Brian on the ski
slopes and he's not. He's notgood. He's not.
All right, well, we got alittle bit of a story out of it.
So have you had a chance tomeet many politicians or work with
them in the past?
(11:52):
Yeah, it's interesting. One ofmy most memorable tours, honestly,
I had a one year kind of outof body experience where I was selected
to go work in the office ofSenator John McCain. So. And that
was during the election yearof 2008. So I got to see a hero of
mine, honestly. You know, Iwas a Navy flyer. He was a Navy flyer.
(12:13):
And to be a part of hislegislative staff while he was running
for the presidency and withSarah Palin and others. So I have
a chance to see really at themost intimate level, the functioning
of the highest level of our USgovernment, at least in the executive
or in the legislative branch,which was a completely eye opening
(12:34):
experience for me. I had spentmost of my time before then just
flying jets, living, living oncarriers, serving the Navy. So to
come to a place and have toput on a suit and tie Every day.
And to talk to people thatwere, some of whom were career politicians,
many of whom were not. It wasreally an interesting experience
for me.
I bet it was. And what a greatman. I think Senator McCain would
(12:55):
probably be a fan of Ryan's today.
There's no doubt in my mind ifhe were alive. Yeah, there's no doubt
in my mind.
And I wish, I wish we just. Iwish he was still around, because
I think he would bring some.Some sanity to what's happening in
the United States Senate rightnow that isn't there.
If I could mention one thing,I mean. So go ahead. McCain. Senator
McCain, JSM always consideredhimself a maverick. Right. Kind of
(13:20):
speak truth to power. But, youknow, again, some of the things that
I know Brian stands for is dowhat has to be done. That, that is.
Well, maybe some listenersremember when McCain was held out
for. For killing theaffordable, you know, put the thumbs
down at the last moment andkill the medical bill. He knew that
had to be done. He also knewthat when you make a promise, you
have to keep it. That camefrom his military service, from his
(13:43):
commitment to his fellowprisoners of war when he was in Vietnam
as a prisoner of war. And thatdefined his character. And I think
it defines Brian as Well, heis. McCain was. And Brian is a tough
but fair leader, a great judgeof character, and again, who embodies
what he says and he walks thewalk. So what Brian says, he lives
(14:05):
or believes, that's how helives his life.
Yeah. You know, what I reallyenjoyed about McCain was he didn't
really seem to take himselftoo seriously. I mean, he could have
a good laugh and obviouslyposture himself when needed, but
I just. I just miss that kindof leadership and, and I hope Brian
can bring it, bring that tothe United States Senate. So you've
(14:26):
worked with some politicians.Some, I'm sure, less than interesting
than McCain. Do me a favor andtell us, you know, you've been around
the block a couple times,you've landed on a couple carriers
here and there.
Sure.
What, what sort of characterin Brian makes you think he'd be
(14:46):
a good senator?
I think I've mentioned some ofthe things, David. I guess. I think
so. Politics and theprofession of being a politician
has come since maybe Johnpassed away. But certainly the last
couple years, politics andpoliticians have come to sound like.
I hate to say a dirty word.Right. They can't be trusted. All
(15:09):
they are is their own selfinterests. They'll say and do anything.
And I know the joke. Thenumber one job of every Politician
everywhere on the planet. Thenumber one job is to get reelected.
But I don't think Brian seesit that way. I think I'm pretty convinced.
I know that he is. Advocatesterm limits. So he's not looking
to get himself into aposition, his last job, for the rest
(15:32):
of his life. He's looking toliterally serve the people of this
great state of South Dakota.He wants to get in there and make
a difference. He's going tosay and do those things that are
necessary to help the peopleof South Dakota, to help America.
And he won't be afraid to dothat. He's not working for his next
job. He's in a job that thepeople of South Dakota have sent
him there to do. And I don'tthink a day will go by where he doesn't
(15:53):
reflect on that and act onthat, which is the kind of politicians
I would argue we need fromevery state in America.
Yeah, I agree. Can you imaginehim in the Senate? I mean, it'd just
be a bright new day to seeBrian working in Senate and casting
votes that matter and maybeholding this administration accountable
(16:14):
once in a while.
From the, from the day that Ilearned he was running until today,
when I've had a chance to talkpublicly about it, I thought of nothing
else. I mean, I really, I hopethat there's a way to find, you know,
I understand especially wellacross our nation with the more or
less two party system. Brianrunning as an independent is. It
is a more difficult road. ButI think that level of independence,
(16:36):
that fact that he's notbeholden to Super PACs or to one
of the two reigning partiesempowers him even more. So he's able
to without fear of retributionor of losing the party support, he's
able to say and do thosethings that need to be said and done.
Yeah, I think it was a verysmart move on his part. We just need
to get this Democrat torealize that he doesn't have a chance
(17:00):
against Rounds. And if he wereto endorse Brian, it would probably
be the most magnanimous thinghe'd do in his life. But we'll, we'll
leave that for another day.So, Captain, I, I think you need
to get out to South Dakota andspend some time on the ground, not
only with Brian, but you know,there's obviously a huge navy or
(17:24):
large military presence atSouth Dakota.
Yes, sir.
People need to, people need tohear directly from you about this,
that you're very articulate,you're smart, obviously, and you
know the guy. So I would. Idon't want to tell you what to do,
but. And obviously Brian hashis campaign managers and team in
place, but just listening toyou today and having been around
(17:46):
politics, I think people wouldreally warm up to a guy from the
east coast that knows Brianand, and can talk about Brian from
the heart. And so I would, I'dencourage you before too long to
maybe make some plans to do atour out there. And I'll, I'll go
and I'll come drive you andhelp you.
(18:08):
I hope you like long drives.It's, it's a pretty, it's a pretty
big state. So listen.
Yeah, yeah. No road time iswhen I, my thinking time. So I love
a good road trip, but. So. Allright, well, Captain Scott Butler
has been with us today here onmucu. I really appreciate your time
and your endorsement. O',Brien, why don't you take us out
(18:31):
with your final words on the,on the Bengs family and Jennifer
and Brian and the girls andwe'll call that a day.
All right. Well, it's been a,it's been an honor and a pleasure
to talk with you, David, andthe entire muck wrecker audience.
I, I hope that what I've saidhas done no harm, if nothing else
(18:52):
before else do no harm and hasgiven the listeners a little bit
of a better insight into thecharacter of my friend and former
military comrade, Brian Bengs.His, his commitment to the state
of South Dakota is equaled byhis commitment to his family. It's,
it's a great family. So if youwant to look into the character of
a man, you can look maybe nofurther than his family because they
(19:16):
are truly the best of thebest. I hope that the people of South
Dakota. I pray that the peopleof South Dakota can find a way to
send Brian through and put himin Washington where he will begin
the process of doing thingsthat actually benefit South Dakotans
and not just himself or hisfamily and will hold those in power
accountable. I think those aretwo important things, especially
(19:38):
in the times we live in. So Icouldn't be more proud to have a
chance to talk about Brianbecause it has been my pleasuretoknowhim
foranumberofyears.AndlikeImentioned,IhopeSouth Dakotascando
therightthingandsendhimtoWashington.
All right. Well, that's aterrific endorsement. You heard it
directly from his colleagueand friend, Brian's colleague and
friend, captain Scott Butlertoday on muck. You. If you like what
(20:03):
you heard, please go to voteroi.com that's v o t e r o I dot
com. BB that's Brian's landingpage. Make a donation. We all know
that campaigns cannot surviveunless they've got money. 25 bucks.
50 bucks. I think you can giveup to 6,500 if you're interested.
(20:27):
Brian needs that ammunitionright now to. To win this race. And,
and. And here at McHugh, we'vefully endorsed Brian. And again,
thank you to Captain ScottButler today. Thank you.
My pleasure. Thanks for.Thanks for the time.
You bet.
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