Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Blueford:
CSM Blueford was born in Warren, Arkansas. He graduated from Warren High School in 1973. He received an Associate of Arts Degree from Arkansas State University at Beebe in 1979.
CSM Blueford enlisted into the United States Army as a 77W, Petroleum Specialist on July 13, 1973, and served in the 102nd Quartermaster Company, Fort. Campbell, Kentucky. After completing his enlistment in the Army, CSM Blueford joined HHC (-), 3rd Battalion, 153rd Infantry, 39th Infantry Brigade, Arkansas Army National Guard in August 1975.
On February 8, 1976, CSM Blueford started working full-time for the Arkansas Army National Guard at the Army Aviation Support Facility and transferred to 936th Aviation Company at Camp Robinson. He later attended the UH-1H Helicopter Repair School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. At the Aviation Support Facility, CSM Blueford served as an Airfield Service Supervisor and UH-1H Technical Inspector.
CSM Blueford served in various military assignments such as First Sergeant, Company B, 437th Attack Helicopter Battalion, First Sergeant, Co. B, 1-114th Aviation Battalion, and First Sergeant, HHC, 1-114th Aviation Battalion. In October 1996, First Sergeant Blueford was promoted to Command Sergeant Major of HHD, 2-114th ATC. On November 1, 2002, CSM Blueford was assigned to the 35th Aviation Brigade, Arkansas Army National Guard as the Brigade’s Command Sergeant Major. CSM Blueford was the first African American in the 35th Aviation Brigade assigned to that position.
His other assignments included Command Sergeant Major for the Institute Support Unit, Camp Robinson Maneuver Training Center, and the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center. On July 16, 2012, CSM Blueford was assigned to the 77th Aviation Brigade, Arkansas Army National Guard as the Brigade’s Command Sergeant Major. He was the first African American in the 77th Aviation Brigade assigned to that position.
CSM Bluford’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal, Master Aircraft Crewman Badge, Army Lapel Button, Order of Saint Michael, and other Federal and State awards.
His military education includes the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy, First Sergeant Course, Senior NCO Course, Advanced NCO Course, Army National /guard Battle Skills Course, Instructor Training Course, Battle Staff Course, and the Alamo Safety Course.
CSM Blueford is a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and has served as the Chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry. CSM Blueford retired with on November 30, 2014, with over 41 years of military service.