Campbell, Mo., native Keith Blackman joined the list of distinguished Arkansas State University ROTC alumni by being inducted into the Hall of Heroes.
Ever since a young age, Blackman said his father was very patriotic and instilled that in him growing up, which eventually led to a career in the military.
"My father was my main inspiration," he said.
Blackman's father, who fought in the Pacific during WWII, knew his son was likely to be drafted, so he encouraged him to enter as an officer rather than through the draft.
He began his military experience while attending ASU for a general business degree. He achieved the rank of second lieutenant while in the ROTC program at ASU.
He then delayed his active duty to attend law school at the University of Arkansas Law School in Fayetteville, Ark.
Blackman said he liked and enjoyed being in the military, but wanted to try law practice. He also added he knew if he didn't like law school, he could proceed in the military.
"If I had to do it again I would without question," he said regarding his military career.
Blackman retired from the army reserve as a lieutenant colonel after 27 years. He then practiced law in Jonesboro, Ark., for 30 years and was an elected judge of Craighead County for 12 years.
He is now "semi-retired" tending to his cattle farm in Brookland, Ark.
During his military time, Blackman was able to qualify for four different branches of military, which he said he was not aware of another person accomplishing.
Those branches included air defense artillery, ammunition ordnance, military intelligence and chemical core.
Blackman was nominated for the Hall of Heroes by a friend and was chosen by a board based on his heroic service, government service and outstanding representation of the university.
The ceremony was held Dec. 2 and Blackman said he was inducted at the armory where he trained as a young ROTC cadet on the ASU campus.
"It was a very nice ceremony," Blackman said.
In attendance to witness the honor were several of Blackman's family as well as a previous first sergeant from his ammunition company.
Blackman described being inducted into the Hall of Heroes as a great honor.
"It means a lot and I feel very humbled by the designation," he said.