--- title: Why Thanksgiving 2017 is More Meaningful Than Ever description: Thanksgiving is time to show gratitude and this year is a special one for Scott Butler of Redstone Government Consulting, Inc. image: https://info.redstonegci.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images_with_title/Redstone-Why%20Thanksgiving%202017%20is%20More%20Meaningful%20Than%20Ever.jpg --- [ PAY INVOICE](https://redstonegci.com/invoice-payment/) [Call Us Today 256-704-9800](tel:2567049800) [info@redstonegci.com](Mailto:info@redstonegci.com) [![Redstone_Logo](https://info.redstonegci.com/hubfs/redstone%20logo%20version%201%20-%20rgb-1.png)](https://www.redstonegci.com/) # Why Thanksgiving 2017 is More Meaningful Than Ever [Posted by Scott Butler on Tue, Nov 21, 2017 @ 15:11 PM](https://info.redstonegci.com/blog/author/scott-butler) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Redstone-Why Thanksgiving 2017 is More Meaningful Than Ever.jpg](https://info.redstonegci.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Blog_Images_with_title/Redstone-Why%20Thanksgiving%202017%20is%20More%20Meaningful%20Than%20Ever.jpg?width=1000&name=Redstone-Why%20Thanksgiving%202017%20is%20More%20Meaningful%20Than%20Ever.jpg) Every year I write a Thanksgiving blog, reflecting on the growth of our firm, how awesome our employees and customers are, and the privilege we have every day to be able to serve and truly make a difference in the lives of our clients. As founder and CEO, I have been solely focused and driven to meet our targets, budgets, goals and have worked as hard as ever.  I recently turned 55, and this past year has been one of reflection and attempting to truly define the meaning of why I and we do what we do every day.  The “Higher Purpose” of working hard and making great impacts for customers while using the God-given talents we are so fortunate to have is incredibly fulfilling. My struggle was deeper, as I felt like the love and respect and caring for others and giving back, which was a primary basis of my vision, had become distorted as we doubled in size from 2012 to 2017.  I felt as if I was on a soul-searching journey to re-establish our vision.   On October 31, (yes, Halloween) I was diagnosed with a very rare form of stomach cancer.  I’m currently undergoing a strict regimen of chemotherapy and radiation, which hopefully will lead to a curative surgery in the months ahead.  It’s in God’s hands. Hence the reason this Thanksgiving is more meaningful than ever.  During the last 6 months I have been truly seeking time with my higher power, and just a few months ago I bought a sticker for my truck that says “HE>I”.  What I was missing was the fact that it isn’t about me, but a higher calling, a more deeper meaning of my life’s journey and the vision of RGCI.  When God controls my day I put others first, I care more deeply about serving and being more selfless rather than selfish.  There is a freedom like no other, when you truly understand your purpose for the long road big picture of life.  It’s laughter in the hallways, smiles, giving back to others and treating everyone as you would want to be treated.  I’m so thankful for the incredible outpouring of support and love shown to me by my employees, friends, family, and customers.  The deeper meaning of why we do what we do is clear now.  John 15:5 says “I am the vine and you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.  Apart from me you can do nothing.” Happy Thanksgiving, [Scott Butler](https://www.redstonegci.com/team/scott-butler-cpa/) Managing Director & CEO Redstone Government Consulting, Inc.   ### Written by [Scott Butler](https://info.redstonegci.com/blog/author/scott-butler) ![Scott Butler](https://info.redstonegci.com/hubfs/images/Staff_/SCOTTBUTLER.png) Scott is the Chairman of the Board with Redstone Government Consulting, Inc. and has more than 25 years of government contracting experience. He specializes in all aspects of cost accounting and compliance relating to DCAA, FAR, CAS and US GAAP. Scott also specializes in revenue recognition, complex disclosure issues and consulting services to our government contractors. Professional Experience Scott was responsible for the SEC, US GAAP, DCAA compliance and external audit oversight, and financial statement for a large publicly-held government contractor before becoming a shareholder with Redstone Government Consulting, Inc. He has focused his career on assisting contractors with achieving their goals and objectives along with mitigating risk and maximizing cost recovery. Scott serves in an advisory board capacity with many of our clients, and consults with them on strategic issues such as executive compensation, mergers and acquisitions exit strategies and long-term strategic initiatives. Scott has conducted numerous training seminars, has published several articles and is a frequent instructor for Federal Publication Seminars on topics such as “FAR Cost Principles,” “DCAA audits,” “Government Contract Accounting Systems Compliance” and “Business System Internal Controls.” Scott also has been involved with numerous complex accounting system implementations in a Deltek® Costpoint environment. He sources, manages and leads these implementations, as well as large compliance engagements for our customers. Education Scott earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Jacksonville State University with a major in Accounting and a minor in Computer Science. Certifications State of Alabama Certified Public Accountant Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants Affiliations American Institute of Certified Public Accountants National Contract Management Association Professional Services Council Board of Directors - Wells Fargo Bank-Huntsville Board of Directors - Kids to Love Foundation (Founding Member) ## About Redstone GCI Redstone GCI is a consulting firm focused on fulfilling the needs of government contractors in all areas of compliance. With a singular mission to help contractors through the multiple layers of “red tape,” we allow contractors to focus on what they do best – support their mission with the U.S. Government. We are home to a group of consultants made up of GovCon industry professionals, CPAs, attorneys, and retired government audit and acquisition professionals. Our focus and knowledge of audit and compliance functions administered by DCAA and DCMA will always be at the heart of what we do. However, for the past decade, we’ve strategically grown to support other areas of the government contractor back-office with that same level of focus and expertise. We’ve added expertise in contracts management, subcontract administration, proposal pricing, various software systems, HR and employment law, property administration, manufacturing, data analytics/reporting, Grant specialists, M&A, and many other areas. When we see a trend in the needs of contractors, we act to ensure we can provide the best expertise in the market to fulfill those needs. One thing our clients can be certain of is that with the Redstone GCI Team in your corner, there is no problem too big and no issue too technical for our team to tackle. 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