Master Sgt. Blackmon: A true "Warrior Airman"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  During the early hours of May 12, 2007, eight members of the U.S. Army were ambushed by al Qaeda insurgents, killing five soldiers and abducting the three others.

In an effort to clear the route for the search teams assigned to locate the abducted, Master Sgt. Anthony Blackmon, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight chief, and other deployed EOD members went to work.

After three days of route clearance and searching for the abducted members, the teams received orders to clear a road outside of the area of operations.

The road was 7 ft. high on one side and guarded by the Euphrates River on the other, Sergeant Blackmon said. As one of the vehicles in the convoy made its way through the area, part of the road collapsed, almost toppling the vehicle into the river.

The remaining team members quickly began to recover the vehicle and help the trapped individuals. As they were doing this, the team was ambushed by more insurgents. Sergeant Blackmon quickly identified an attacker and directed his team to return fire immediately, averting further attacks.

It was this rapid and decisive action during route clearance mission in Afghanistan for which Sergeant Blackmon was awarded the Combat Action Medal, as well as a Bronze Star, during his six-month deployment to Sather Air Base, Iraq.

Sergeant Blackmon's valor in combat also influenced Air Combat Command to select him as a "Warrior Airman" representative during an Air Force orientation for new members of the U.S. Congress at Langley AFB, Va., Feb. 20. The Warrior Airmen's stories will showcase Air Force contributions in today's war to newly-elected representatives and senators.

"[Sergeant Blackmon's] selection is well-deserved and we're very proud of his service," said Lt. Col. John Allen, 28 CES commander. "He's one of those Airman that have been in extraordinary positions in Iraq and Afghanistan."

At the congressional orientation, Sergeant Blackmon will join Gen. John D.W. Corley, ACC commander, and four other selected Warrior Airmen. While in Virginia, the Airmen will participate in General Corley's opening remarks to the representatives, participate in a luncheon and static review.

"This is a once in a career opportunity and I'm definitely looking forward to the opportunity to showcase what our troops do everyday downrange," Sergeant Blackmon said.

Colonel Allen also expressed his confidence in Sergeant Blackmon's ability to represent the Air Force.

"He is the mold of the Warrior Airman," Colonel Allen said. The conversations he and the other four Airmen will have with the Congressional representatives are vital in telling the AF story and continuing support in today's war.