Eugene Blackwell earned his VFW eligibility by serving on active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from 10 Dec 2008 to 7 Sep 2009. He served as advisor to the Afghan Corp Surgeon. Eugene served honorably in the Army National Guard and Reserve retiring as a Colonel (O-6) in 2014. He served in positions that included Platoon Commander, Battalion Detachment Commander, Command of the Health and Dental Clinic, and Battalion Commander. During the VFW 2023 State Convention, the convention delegates elected Eugene as the Department Junior Vice Commander.

 

Eugene is a Gold Legacy Life Member and joined VFW Post 311 in 2009 as a Life Member, where he served as trustee, Jr. Vice Commander, Commander, and Chief of Staff. While as commander, Post 311 earned All American status 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. He also served at the district level as Jr. Vice Commander, Sr. Vice Commander, and Commander. At the State level, Eugene served as the Department Surgeon. On the National level, Eugene is a member of the National Bylaws Study Group. Our past National Commander, Matthew (Fritz) Michelcic appointed him in 2020. In addition to the VFW, Eugene is a Life Member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

 

Eugene is employed at the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Registered Pharmacist and worked in this capacity for over thirty years. He is currently working at the National Acquisition Center at Hines Veterans Administration where he works with contractual cost reduction of pharmaceutical products to federal governmental agencies.

 

Eugene Blackwell is a member of New Faith Baptist Church International and serves in the Music Ministry and Christian Education. As a Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Theta Mu Lambda Chapter, Eugene is a past president and is currently serving as the financial secretary. Eugene is also the Chairperson of the Theta Mu Lambda Charitable Foundation (TMLCF). TMLCF has awarded over $250,000 to students graduating from high school and going to college.

 

Eugene is married to Mattie Blackwell. And together, they have three adult children and grandchildren.