Staff Sgt. Blackburn was born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, and graduated from Walker Valley High School in 2011. Graduated from Tennessee College of Applied Technology Center in 2013, with an Assoicate's Degree in Automotive Technology, and Automotive Service Excellence Certified. He joined the U.S Army in September 2014, and was assigned to 2/278 ACR Tennessee National Guard after completing Infantry OSUT Training at Fort Benning, GA.
Blackburn then transferred to Active Duty in November 2016 and was assigned to 1-5IN 25ID Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He completed Basic Military Mountaineering Course at the Northern Warfare Training Center, and SERE Arctic Survival School. Blackburn led a sniper team, assisted in building a marksmanship program for the 1-25 Brigade, and competed in multiple marksmanship competitions across the country. Blackburn then Joined the USAMU Service Rifle Team in January 2020. Completed Ranger Training Assessment Course 2021, Ranger School in January 2022, and Airborne School in March 2022.
His awards include Ranger Tab, Presidents Hundred Tab, Airborne Badge, EIC Badge, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (2), Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2), Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Reserve component Overseas Training Ribbon.