Books By Jimmy F. Blackmon

"One of the identifying qualities of a good leader is the ability to lead a “felt” life. In his new book Ranger School, Jimmy Blackmon takes us inside the Army’s most arduous and difficult small unit tactics and leadership school, a course which only a few dare to attempt, and lets us feel it. A well-written story of overcoming adversity. Many life lessons in these pages."
-Retired General Martin E. Dempsey, 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

"Raw, funny, at times painfully descriptive, but always inspiring; Jimmy Blackmon’s book Ranger School, will make every American proud of the warriors that wear the Ranger Tab."
-Admiral William H. McRaven, Admiral, USN (Retired)

"Even the best teams and athletes in the world need a coach. Jimmy has enabled individuals on our team to push beyond their boundaries to help realize their potential. Equally important, he has helped us work better together – stronger, more agile and better equipped to drive our business forward."
-Pete Cherecwich – President C&IS Northern Trust

Cowboys Over Iraq tells the amazing story of leadership, innovation, and initiative demonstrated by a brotherhood that was forged in the crucible of combat during the invasion of Iraq.

“What does it take to fly and fight with America’s Air Cavalry? That’s the story of Cowboys Over Iraq. You’ll meet bold personalities right out of a Hollywood movie. You’ll be right there as Jimmy Blackmon and his fellow Cavalry troopers track down and tangle with determined foes. You’ll experience the highs of triumph and the lows of bitter loss. Most importantly, you’ll see how and why Jimmy Blackmon learned hard-won leadership and battle lessons in the deadly skies of Iraq. Strap in. Hang on. Get ready to go hunting with the Air Cav.”
—Daniel P. Bolger, Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, Retired; Commander, 1st Cavalry Division 2008–2010

Pale Horse is the remarkable never-before-told true story of an army aviation task force during combat in the Afghan War, told by the commanding officer who was there. Set in the very valleys where the attacks of 9/11 were conceived, and where ten Medals of Honor have been earned since that fateful day the war began, the narrative races from ferocious firefights and bravery in battle to the quiet moments where the courageous men and women of Task Force Pale Horse catch their breath before they take to the skies again.

Jimmy F. Blackmon writes with a power and hard-hitting honesty that leaps off the page. He has the respect of the men and women of his brigade, and a command of the narrative to tell their story. From pilots of lethal Apache attack helicopters who strike fear in their enemies to the medevac soldiers who risk their lives daily, these are warriors from a variety of backgrounds who learned selflessness and found the closest brotherhood they ever knew through the crucible of war. Pale Horse both honors and commemorates the service of this elite task force from the unique vantage point of the commander who led them in battle.

Here you will read about one Southern family’s extraordinary roots, and how they gave life, joy, and purpose to one man. In Southern Roots, author Jimmy F. Blackmon shares memories of his family and his boyhood in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Northwest Georgia.

“Just when you think all the honest writers who captured all the great regions of this country have disappeared and too much American writing these days is shallow stuff, off key, set in the land of nowhere, a writer like Jimmy Blackmon crops up in that fertile literary soil of the South-Wendell Berry, Reynolds Price, Eudora Welty, Faulkner, Harper Lee, Walker Percy and others-reminding us again of the verities and virtues of the true tale, told by a man rooted in place, who sings the South like a hymn. You will find your own voice joining in, page after page.” — Norbert Blei, author of the Door County trilogy and other works

“Jimmy Blackmon is an American warrior in the best sense of the word. He has gone a long way in this world, but he has never forgotten that the red clay of his beloved Gordon County, Georgia is where it began and where his heart remains. His is a story of good times, good people and good memories. His is a story best told by a Southerner. Blackmon tells it well.” –Dick Yarbrough – author and syndicated columnist.

Southern Roots is out of print.