Eldon C. Blaxton – Lieuetnant Colonel, United States Air Force

Eldon C. Blaxton graduated in 1967 from the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa).  He was commissioned into the U.S.Air Force as a Second Lieutenent and served as an officer for 22 years.

Eldon retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. As base comptroller at Hurleburt Field (Florida), he recieved the MAC comptroller of the year award 2 years in a row.

Eldon lived by four basic rules. 1) Do the right thing;  2) If at all possible, solve conflicts peaceably; 3) If you can’t,”non-illigitimi carborundum” (Latin for “don’t let the bastards grind you down”(his favorite saying); and 4) Regardless of what happens, never dishonor the flag!

Both of his sons followed his footsteps into the military, one in the US Navy, and the other in the US Army, both serving as officers. Eldon left a legacy of love for his wife and family, honor for our country, respect for others, and hope for the future. He was forever the optimist, always seeing the good in every situation. Eldon was proud to serve his country and never regretted the choice he made to serve the United States of America.

BLAXTON, ELDON C
LT COL   US AIR FORCE
VIETNAM
DATE OF BIRTH: 01/03/1945
DATE OF DEATH: 12/28/2003
BURIED AT: SECTION 68  SITE 4953
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard