The miniature mule mascot of 1st Theater Sustainment Command, which rose through the enlisted ranks since joining service more than 30 years ago, died Sunday of a respiratory illness, the Fort Bragg, North Carolina-based command announced Monday.
Staff Sgt. John Blackjack had served as the command's mascot since May 1983, when the unit was known as 1st Corps Support Command. Blackjack was a 2-year-old private at the time, according to the announcement, later posted on Facebook. Blackjack was donated to the Army by retired Air Force Col. Robert Wray and his wife, Rosanne.
"Blackjack proudly served under 19 commanders in his 32 years of service to his country," Maj. Gen. Darrell Williams, head of the 1st TSC, said in the Facebook post. "He was loved by all and will be greatly missed."
The miniature mule had no official daily duties, a command spokeswoman said via email, but participated in ceremonies such as retirements, changes of command and other 1 TSC-hosted events.
When not on duty, Blackjack stayed at North Star Stables in nearby Parkton. The noncommissioned officer's leadership skills were praised by barn manager Robert Chase in a 2014 interview.
"When it is feeding time you'll hear Blackjack hee-hawing loud enough for all the horses to hear. He is alerting them to dinner," Chase told StPaulsReview.com. "He's very well mannered though. Our 8-year-old daughter loves to go on walks with him. She just loves him."
A memorial is set for June 24.
