Profiles in Courage: Major General David Blackledge

General David Blackledge (rt) in Iraq

Major General David Blackledge is not a superhero. He’s a human hero.

In February of 2004, Major General Blackledge’s convoy was ambushed in Iraq. The interpreter, who was sitting next to him, was shot through the head. Taking fire, the vehicle rolled. But the survivors were able to escape. He sustained a broken back and ribs, with other injuries requiring eleven months of recovery and physical therapy.

Fifteen months after the ambush, Major General Blackledge was deployed back to Iraq. While in Amman, Jordan for meetings, he was in one of three popular hotels that were struck by terrorist bombs. The explosions killed over 55 people and injured over 110. He suffered a neck injury.

On the way to Arlington….

Major General Blackledge has demonstrated his courage during three combat tours (he also fought in the Persian Gulf War). He has been awarded five Bronze Star Medals as well as the two Purple Hearts he received for combat injuries.

Major General Blackledge also has shown courage on a different front. He has been open about his struggles with post-traumatic stress after both incidents in which he was wounded. He’s the first U.S. Army general to acknowledge suffering nightmares, flashbacks and a short attention span.

Because of his bravery, other soldiers have been empowered to step forward and talk about their experiences. He helped to erase the stigma.

Major General Blackledge participated in the Road 2 Recovery’s recent “Don’t Mess With Texas Challenge” to support injured members of the military who have given so much to their country. The ride began at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and finished 345 miles later at the Texas Rangers’ Ameriquest Field in Arlington.

Riding with the USO’s Jeff Hill

“Road 2 Recovery provides our wounded warriors an opportunity to set challenging goals and then meet or exceed them within a supportive environment,” said Major General Blackledge, who is now Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs. “The extended, multi-day rides like the Texas Challenge re-create conditions that military members are accustomed to, such as accomplishing a difficult mission as a team and the bonding that occurs from sharing a common experience together.

“An aspect of the long rides that I totally underestimated was the overwhelming support, generosity and gratefulness demonstrated by the local communities and veterans organizations. Participants come away with a greater sense of their own inner strength and capabilities, they learn to focus on possibilities rather than limitations and they gain a greater appreciation that they are not alone. The Road 2 Recovery program is truly uplifting and life-affirming.”

Throwing out the first pitch

Major General Blackledge pedaled his Jamis cyclocross bike, which has a steel frame and a little wider tires than a traditional road bike to give him more cushioning because of the lingering effects of his combat injuries.

Although he only recently received medical clearance to get back on a bike, Major General Blackledge welcomed the opportunity to offer encouragement and hope to soldiers who suffer post-traumatic stress with his first-hand story of recovery.

“Hey, I’ve been through this. I’m not just telling you something that I’ve read off slides or a pamphlet. This is something I’ve experienced. It’s important to come forward if you’ve got these issues. No one should have to deal with this on their own. The help is there. This is no longer a mystery. The medical and psychological practitioners know how to get you through this and help you out.”

He said “Road 2 Recovery recognizes that bicycling does wonders for those with psychological injuries. I’m hoping through this program and others, we can get this message out. These are wounded warriors just like the ones with physical wounds. This will help them heal.”

Major General Blackledge, who has a quiet, but strong demeanor, was raised in a family with a rich tradition of military service. His father retired after 30 years in the U.S. Army. His grandfather, who served with General Douglas MacArthur, was captured by the Japanese at Bataan and died in a slave labor camp.

Major General Blackledge is the proud father of three daughters. His wife, Iwona, an officer in the U.S. Air Force, has also served two tours in Iraq as a critical care nurse.

An avid cyclist, Major General Blackledge was one of the founders of the West Point Cycling Club. He also has competed in triathlons and the American Birkebeiner, a grueling 54-kilometer cross-country ski race in Wisconsin.

“There’s just something magical about being on a bicycle,” he said. “Maybe it goes back to when you’re a kid and you first learn to ride a bike. You feel a sense of freedom. That feeling just stays with you.”

Story by Sharon Raboin

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