CW4 Blacka entered military service as an Enlisted Soldier on 15 July 1963 and was later appointed as an Airdrop Systems Warrant Officer at Fort Lee, Virginia. CW4 Blacka distinguished himself in a variety of challenging and critical Quartermaster assignments both in the United States and overseas including the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate), Vietnam.
CW4 Blacka played a critical role in the technical development of airdrop doctrine, force structure, training, operations, safety and operational planning for the U.S. Army Safety Center Accident Investigation Team for military parachute fatalities in CONUS and OCONUS. His fine efforts resulted in upgraded and refined safety standards for airdrop of cargo and personnel for the Department of Defense, Commander-In-Chief, Major Commands, integrating centers, and TRADOC schools. It also provided technical guidance for cargo airdrop of certified procedures, research, development, test and engineering for operational units during Operation Just Cause, and Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
CW4 Blacka’s distinguished military career expanded over 30 years plus years of notable service as he lead the way for the improvements of airdrop operations around the Army world. His assignments included Master Airdrop Systems Technician, United States Army Quartermaster Center and School, Fort Lee, Virginia; Officer in Charge, Maintenance of Airdrop Equipment (Airborne Battalion Combat Team), 2nd Quartermaster Detachment, 8th Support Group, Southern European Task Force; Chief, Aerial Delivery Section, Alaska; and Parachute Rigger Technician/Platoon Leader, 612th Quartermaster Company, (Air Delivery), XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
CW4 Blacka is authorized to wear the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Other decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachute Rigger Badge, Master Parachute Rigger Badge, and the Pathfinder Badge.
CW4 Blacka is a Distinguished Member of the Quartermaster Regiment and a member of Rigger Warrant Officer Hall of Fame, Airborne and Field Services Department.