SSG Richard A. Blakley was a front line medic. Rick was 17 when he joined the Indiana National Guard, right out of high school and he served for 17 years at the time of his death. He took all kinds of trainings to help prepare himself so that he could be the best and he was best qualified to help others. He always told me that he wanted to be as close to his men as possible so that he could help when needed.
Rick left behind a wife and 2 kids and lots of friends and family who loved him dearly. Like so many others, we are so proud of him and we miss him every day.
