Author Jimmy Blackmon to sign “PALE HORSE” at Harris Arts Center

positions throughout the Army. Included in those positions was Blackmon’s command of combat soldiers at the squadron and brigade level in the famed 101st Airborne Division. Jimmy has served two tours in the Balkans, two tours in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan. Originally from Calhoun, he is married with four children and lives in Virginia.

“PALE HORSE” is a gripping account of a year in eastern Afghanistan fighting a seasoned and hardened enemy from the perspective of an aviation task force. It is the first combat action book written from a helicopter pilot’s perspective since Vietnam. Through countless hours of interviews, Blackmon’s soldiers narrate their fears, doubts, anxieties and focusing techniques in the face of battle. These personal insights enable readers to feel the emotion of combat.

“PALE HORSE” demonstrates that this war was fought by everyday Americans, men and women from Anytown, USA. These young soldiers came from wealthy and poor families alike, from many diverse heritages and backgrounds. Most of those who served under Blackmon voluntarily joined after the terrible attacks of 9/ 11. As Blackmon says, “They knew they were going into combat, and that they might die. America deserves to know them. America’s longest war will not soon be forgotten, but the men and women who fought it will fade with time to nothing more than a serial number on a roster pressed between pages, if we allow it.”

Local online book dealers, Bob and Lee Linn, of The Ridge Books, will have copies of “PALE HORSE” available for sale, which the author will personalize, on Aug. 20. For more information call 706- 629- 2599. www. harrisartscenter. com