FRANKFORT, Ky. –
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Family, friends, and colleagues of Col. John B. Blackburn, the Kentucky National Guard chief information officer, filled the Wellman Auditorium on Boone National Guard Center for his retirement ceremony Sept. 27.
Blackburn and his guests faced the residual rains from Hurricane Helene to be there in person to celebrate his over-thirty-year military career.
“Colonel Blackburn has been a leader, a mentor, and a friend for many of us, and it is with great appreciation that we recognize his outstanding military career,” said Lt Col. Kevin Jones, who was emceeing the ceremony.
Blackburn’s career started in 1991 when he joined the Army Reserves. He joined the Kentucky National Guard in 1994 and commissioned in 1998.
He served in many positions during his time with the Guard, including also having served as both as an armor officer and military police officer.
According to Blackburn, one of his greatest moments came while asked to serve as the Information Management Advisory Council (IMAC) Chair where he represented the 54 states and territories for all IT initiatives directed by the Army and National Guard Bureau.
Three and a half years ago, Blackburn started an initiative to incorporate Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen with other elements of state government to provide a cyber-response capability that did not previously exist.
“I really attribute this dynamic to John's thinking and initiative and reaching out to some of the other state entities, whether it's the Commonwealth Office of Technology or the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security,” said Maj. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton, the adjutant general for Kentucky. “There is no other entity here in the state that has as many cyber or IT trained professionals as we do under Blackburn’s leadership.”
The general wrapped up his remarks by showing his appreciation for Blackburn’s hard work and dedication to making the Kentucky Guard a better place.
“On behalf of myself, and I think, really on behalf of a lot of the folks here in the room, we're greatly appreciative of what you've done,” said Lamberton to Blackburn during the ceremony. “The entire Kentucky National Guard, Army and Air, are better by virtue of having had you as one of us. You are leaving us a better organization that you found us. And for that, I'm appreciative.”
After the adjutant general spoke, Blackburn addressed those who supported him.
“I'd like to personally thank everyone that braved the storms outside to come here,” said Blackburn. “I never thought I'd be competing with a hurricane on my retirement today, but I appreciate it. I truly do. I also would have never guessed that over 30 years ago, when I was inadvertently watching Stripes and decided to join the military, that I'd be standing here 30-plus years later as a colonel retiring from the military.
“To all the officers, warrant officers, NCOs and Soldiers that I have had the privilege of working with, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your steadfast dedication to this amazing organization. It has truly been an honor to serve with you,” he said.
Blackburn was awarded the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal for his forward-thinking leadership and his consummate professionalism. He also received the Silver Order of Mercury, which is awarded to those select few who stand above their peers and have made conspicuous long-term significant contributions to the U.S. Army Signal Corps and the Signal Corps Regimental Association.
After thanking those who had been impactful to him during his career, he turned to his wife, Amy, and his two sons, Tanner and Taylor, expressing gratitude for their support and love that helped him get through it all.
“Thank you for being by my side throughout this adventure,” said Blackburn.