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<p>Colonel <em>Jon Willard Blades III</em> (Retired) was born in Salem, MA on November 10, 1940, the first son of Jon and Virginia Blades. Jon’s “Son of Massachusetts” pedigree was perfectly aligned with his lifelong commitment to America, its values and the three concepts of Duty, Honor, Country, which were to become his life’s guideposts. </p>
<p>Early on, Jon moved to the sunshine state of Florida, where he picked up his renowned optimistic disposition, always seeing the brighter side of events. This upbeat persona served him well throughout his professional careers and into his rich private life. </p>
<p>After graduating from high school, Jon joined the U.S. Army and spent two years readying himself to attend USMA. During this initial active Army experience, Jon completed the Army’s basic training course, and the Academy’s preparatory school at Fort Belvoir, VA. </p>
<p>In July 1961, Jon entered USMA with the Class of 1965. Jon demonstrated exceptional proficiencies in military aptitude, intramural athletics, and all academics unrelated to plebe math. At mid-year of Jon’s first plebe year, he was “turned out” and directed to pass a re-examination to gain readmittance. In preparation for reentry, Jon studied math relentlessly for several months with help from a tutor in NYC, took the re-examination, passed it, and returned to USMA in August 1962 and joined us, his classmates in the Class of 1966. </p>
<p>Throughout the next four years Jon consistently demonstrated the qualities that led him to the very top of our cadet leadership structure. One of Jon’s strongest characteristics was that he was always there to help others—with academics, in tactical department battles or on the fields of friendly strife. He consistently demonstrated what being a friend and classmate was all about. Not only did his classmates know this about Jon, but so too did the Academy’s officer command chain. Jon’s inbred prowess as a leader, soldier, and friend led him to be designated as the First Regiment’s cadet regimental commander in our firstie year, a great honor and richly deserved. In June 1966, Jon graduated as a second lieutenant of Infantry. </p>
<p>Upon graduation, Jon successfully completed the Army’s airborne and Ranger courses at Fort Benning, GA. He then deployed to Germany, where he served as a company grade officer in the 30th Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division. From there Jon moved onto Vietnam in 1969 and joined the 25th Infantry Division, where he served as a company commander and as 1st Brigade assistant S-3. While there Jon received a Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, an Army Commendation medal with “V” device and the Combat Infantryman Badge. After Vietnam, Jon returned to Fort Benning in 1970 and completed his Infantry Officer Advanced Course schooling. For the next six years Jon continued to advance his academic and military credentials by completing a master’s and a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Washington, teaching in the Office of Military Leadership (1973-76) at West Point and then attending the Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. </p>
<p>Upon completion of CGSC, Jon deployed to Korea as the S-3 of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. In 1978 Jon redeployed stateside and spent 1978-81 in the Army’s ODCSPER before leaving to command a battalion at Fort Jackson, SC. After an outstanding three years at Fort Jackson, Jon was selected for and completed the National War College in 1985. He spent the next year at MILPERCEN before moving on as a deputy director in OASD. Colonel Blades concluded his distinguished career by commanding the U.S. Army’s Research of Behavior and Social Sciences organization from 1988 to 1991. He retired from active duty in 1991 with the coveted Legion of Merit in hand.</p>
<p>After retiring from the Army, he moved back to Florida and became the director of research and planning for the University of South Florida in Tampa. He held that position for 11 years, retiring from USF in 2002. John then moved to the Raleigh, NC area, where he worked for the state government. After fully retiring, Jon stayed active in multiple ways. He passionately sought and acquired a wide variety of early American antiques, which he proudly displayed in his home. He enjoyed travelling to expand his already extensive knowledge of people and cultures. Probably his greatest retirement interest was staying in touch and meeting with classmates from West Point. Jon stayed close to his roots as a “soldier’s soldier,” but also as being a “friend’s friend.” </p>
<p>Late in 2017, Jon was struck by a unique illness that severely limited his mobility. At the time, his two wonderful daughters, Wendy and Debbie, stepped up and brought Jon closer to their families in Norfolk, VA to ensure he received the care and affection that only they could provide. Jon’s final battle ended on September 8, 2018. </p>
<p>As we reflect on the life of our friend, we think fondly of his contributions to his country, the Army, West Point, his family, soldiers and students he mentored, and the friends he garnered on his path. Jon’s life was the personification of being a leader and teaching others the skills that he had acquired through study and practice. Jon was one of our best, and it was our good fortune to have had him touch our lives. </p>
<p>RIP, our good and loyal friend. </p>
<p><em>— John Eberle, Walt Brinker, Dick Murray—all classmates</em></p>
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