Doug: The Early Years
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Michael Allan Blackledge met Helen Margaret Faust in Albuquerque, NM in
1966, during Mike's first USAF assignment after graduate school.
They were married, and moved to Colorado for a tour of duty teaching
mathematics at USAFA. It was there that Doug was born in 1970.
Following a tour of duty in Southeast Asia, the family
moved to Alexandria, VA while Mike was stationed at the Pentagon.
Brother David was born there in 1974.
During the Nation's Bicentennial, the family was transferred to
Nellis AFB, NV, and
then in 1979 back to Kirtland AFB, NM. Doug had just turned 9
years old then. The family remained in Albuquerque while Doug
graduated from Collet Park Elementary, Grant Middle School and Manzano
High School
and then departed for entry into the Air Force Academy, July 1988,
having just turned 18.
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Wrestling Days at Kirtland AFB: (circa 1982): from left: Doug's brother David, father LtCol Mike Blackledge, Doug on award day.
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Spring
Trip: (left) During his Middle School trip to Our Nation's
Capital, Doug is kidnapped by his Uncle Pete and learns culture.
(right, age 14) Pumped in the back yard, ABQ: Doug took his
weights on the train to LA for 1984 Olympics trip; it paid off!
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A
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Manzano
HS to Matzatlan, Spring Break 1988: Included in this photo with
Doug (at top): Paul Martinez, Jason Archuleta, Mark Dowdy.
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Manzano HS to Matzatlan:
The 'Train from Hell' took Doug and his High School compatriots south
of the border. Miserably good time.
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