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  • David McLendon speaks at a Tuesday ceremony celebrating the life of his son, Senior Chief Petty Officer Blake McLendon, who was killed in Afghanistan two years ago. Submitted photo

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September 11, 2012

Father: McLendon brought war home

Patti Dozier CNHI

THOMASVILLE — David Blake McLendon had a habit of going where there was trouble, according to his father, David McLendon.

McLendon recalled his son saying, “ ‘I hunt terrorists.’ “

Seeking out terrorists is what Blake McLendon, a Navy chief petty officer, was doing on Sept. 21, 2010, while on a classified mission in Afghanistan. McLendon was among nine military personnel who died in a helicopter crash.

The elder McLendon, accompanied by his wife, Mary-Ann McLendon, spoke at a memorial service at noon Tuesday at St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Marianne Ellis, ceremony organizer and McLendon’s former Sunday School teacher, said the Tuesday event was designed to celebrate McLendon’s life.

Ellis said many people considered McLendon a fallen war hero, but she knew him as a “totally fearless person.”

Ellis, retired director of the Thomas-Grady Training Center, said McLendon inspired People First, a community program.

See Wednesday's edition for more details.

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