If you go
› What: Author event with Jimmy Blackmon.› When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20.› Where: Harris Arts Center, Calhoun, Ga.› Admission: Free.› Phone: Harris Arts Center, 212 S. Wall St., Calhoun, Ga.› Website: www.harrisartscenter.com.
U.S. Army veteran Jimmy F. Blackmon will talk about his service leading an aviation task force into combat in the Afghan War, as told in his new book, in a visit to Calhoun, Ga., on Saturday, Aug. 20.
"Pale Horse: Hunting Terrorists and Commanding Heroes With the 101st Airborne Division" is set in the valleys where the attacks of 9/11 were conceived and where 10 Medals of Honor have been earned since the war began.
A true story, the narrative races from ferocious firefights and bravery in battle to the quiet moments where the men and women of Task Force Pale Horse catch their breath before they take to the skies again. Their ranks include pilots of lethal Apache attack helicopters who strike fear in their enemies to medevac soldiers who risk their lives daily. "Pale Horse" both honors and commemorates their service.
Born and raised in Gordon County, Ga., Blackmon enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1986, according to an online bio. He graduated from North Georgia College in 1991 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in aviation. In the 30 years that have followed, he has served in various command and staff positions in the Army. He has served two tours in the Balkans, two tours in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan. He spent 12 years in the famed 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), where he commanded Task Force Pale Horse from 2008 to 2010, and the 159th Combat Aviation "Thunder" from 2012 to 2015.
"Pale Horse," which includes a foreword by retired U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, is his second book. His first, "Southern Roots," published in 2010, is a memoir of growing up in the South.
One reviewer has called Blackmon "an inspiring leader whose public addresses provide a refreshingly honest and engaging perspective of unit cohesion and camaraderie through challenging environments and circumstances" and whose talks "mix humility, pride and humor in captivating fashion."
The task force name (and book title) is based on a biblical reference in Revelation 6:8: "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him." (King James Version).