1SG David Blair

First Sergeant John David Blair, age 38 of Plainville, Georgia was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 20, 2009. Sergeant Blair’s military career began in 1989 when he enlisted in the Kentucky Army National Guard where he served with the A/1-149th IN as an Infantryman. In 1997 he transferred to the Georgia Army National Guard, serving in the 1-108th Armor’s Mortar Platoon. In 2000, 1SG Blair transferred to Co. H, 121st Infantry where he mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, and served as a Team Leader. After returning from Iraq, 1SG Blair transferred to the 122nd Infantry Regiment – Regional Training Institute and became an instructor. In October 2008, 1SG Blair was selected to be the First Sergeant for A/1-121 IN and spent the following months preparing his unit for the deployment to Afghanistan, and in leading them forward in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 1SG Blair’s awards and badges include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, (2nd Award), Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (4th Award), National Defense Medal (3rd Award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device (2nd Award), Non Commissioned Officers Professional and Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service and Nato Medal, Georgia Commendation Medal, Georgia Drug Task Force Medal, Georgia Special Operations Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge. 1SG Blair’s Army Schools included the United States Army Infantryman Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Woodland Operations Instructor Course, Analytical Investigation Techniques Course, Counter Drug Task Force Course, National Guard Bureau SA Mission Primary Manager Course, Total Army Instructor Training Course, Small Group Leader Training Course, Basic Narcotic Investigation Course, Bradley Gunner’s Course Phase One and Two, and the Long Range Ground Surveillance Specialist Certification Course Phase One and Two. 1SG Blair’s Civilian/Law Enforcement and Training Career included the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office, Basic Peace Officer, Homeland Security Survival Shooting Training Program, Certified SWAT Operator, Firearms Instructor, Certified Diver, Woodland Operations Instructor and Narcotic Investigator. Survivors include his wife, Donna Baldwin Blair; a daughter, Georgia Priest; and a son, Dallas Bryant; a grandson, Nolyn Foubert; parents, David Blair and Connie Blair; and a brother, Mark Blair. Special friends, the Rodney Adams Family, Shane Parrott, and Chris Brown and other relatives and friends also survive. Funeral services for 1SG John David Blair will be conducted Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 2:00pm from the Trinity Baptist Church. The United States Army Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers. Honorary escorts will include members of the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Calhoun Police Department, Georgia National Guard, Counter Drug Unit, American Legion/SAL, members of the VFW, Coosawattee Masonic Lodge #306, and Main Line Plumbing and Electrical. Burial will follow the service in the Georgia National Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends at Trinity Baptist Church on Monday from 5:00pm until 9:00pm, and on Tuesday from 5:00pm until 9:00pm. The family asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Gordon County Special Olympics Program in his memory. Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.maxbrannonandsons.com Family owned and operated Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home is conducting the funeral services for 1SG John David Blair, age 38 of Plainville.

1SG David Blair

June 20, 1971 - June 20, 2009