James D. Blankenbecler Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Alexandria, Virginia

Command Sgt. Maj. James Blankenbecler, 40, the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to be killed in hostile fire in the war in Iraq, was killed Oct. 1 when improvised explosives and rocket-propelled grenades were fired on his convoy in Samarra, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas. Blankenbecler was born in Arlington, Va., and attended the old Groveton High School in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County. He was interested in sports and played quarterback on the varsity football team. Blankenbecler joined the Army in 1983 and his career included service in Operation Desert Storm and at Fort Belvoir in the Army Personnel Command.

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Hello, We wanted to let your family and friends know that we are sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and some of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of James D. Blankenbecler US Army Command Sergeant Major. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth...

Charlie Gili

July 22, 2024

To the family and friends of Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Blankenbecler:
Always remembering James. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

October 30, 2013 | Carson City, NV

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am thinking of you Blank. Your service and sacrifice have not been forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to your wife, children and family. God Bless You.

Bonnie Lambert

November 16, 2012 | Alexandria, VA

Today, I learned about James Blankenbecler, his life & legacy. I thank him with eternal gratitude for his service to this nation. I thank his family and military unit for sharing who he was, what he stood for, and his life, with us.

June 10, 2012

Prayers for Jims wife and children and family.I was a classmate of Jims from 1st grade up to graduation from Groveton high school.God rest you soul Jim.

Rob Delay

March 20, 2012 | Springfield, VA

To the family and friends of Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Blankenbecler:
Please accept my remembrance of James on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

October 01, 2011 | Carson City, NV

To the family and friends of Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Blankenbecler:
Remembering James on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Peggy Childers

October 01, 2010 | Carson City, NV

Words can't express your loss or our country's loss. May God comfort you and bless you.

donna weeks

March 30, 2010 | Blue Ridge, VA

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,850 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one...

Kenna Kay

December 22, 2009 | Manti, UT

Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Blankenbecler

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