James Roland Blackwell

Jim was a member of the First Graduating Class of the United States Air Force Academy, the Class of 1959, earning his Bachelor’s in Engineering. In 1968, Jim earned two Master’s degrees in Systems Engineering and Engineering Management from Arizona State University.
Jim Flew over 8,800 hours as a C-130 and C-123 command pilot, including over 900 combat missions during 3 separate tours in Vietnam, while serving in MACV-SOG, First Flight Detachment. Following his special operations and other flying assignments, Jim served in various staff officer and command positions, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Plans and Policy Directorate, where he was a member of the U.S. MBFR Delegation. In 1979, he completed the National War College before serving as Director of Operations, then Vice Wing Commander, of the 375th Aeromedical Airlift Wing, Scott AFB, IL. His last assignment was at the State Department as Chairman, Interagency Consolidated Verification Group (CVG), and Chairman, Arms Control Verification Committee’s Policy Working Group, which encompassed U.S. planning efforts of the INF and START Arms Control Treaties.
After serving 28 years in the Air Force, Jim entered the private sector managing national security programs for the Departments of Defense and Energy. Over the next 26 years, he served as Associate Partner, Meridian Corporation; Vice President and Chief Operating Officer DynMeridian and DynCorp; and Director of Nuclear Security and Energy Programs, Computer Sciences Corporation.
Jim’s USAF Academy yearbook reads, “He had an intense interest in anything that is fun. Jim made his claim to fame in Football and Baseball and as Chairman of the Entertainment Committee. One of the most likeable guys around, Jim never let the rigorous Academy atmosphere get the best of his social life.” Years later Jim would recall humorous experiences leading the Entertainment Committee, which brought out laughter from his fellow classmates.