Just heard some really sad news. My bunk mate and best friend during basic is no longer with us. Blackledge didn't deserve to go this early. He was such an enthusiastic, driven person. I seen him work harder than everyone. He would stay up late after lights out to work out and no matter how tired he was he wouldn't go to sleep until he read his bible. I've never met a man more devoted to his faith than Blackledge. He finished reading the entire bible during basic then started reading it again and would constantly draw strength from it and his faith. He always wanted to give back and earn everything. He shared everything with me. He kept me motivated and always had my back. He was a good soldier. Now, I'm not a very religious man but if that place does exist up there. They couldn't have gotten a better man to guard the gates and watch over all of our brothers. Rest in peace, brother. We'll regroup again someday. "Love of country.