Carl Blake

Carl Blake joined Paralyzed Veterans of America in 2000 after retiring from the Military due to injuries sustained during a parachute exercise. Blake is now the Associate Executive Director of Government Relations, responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of the national legislative and advocacy program agendas with the United States Congress and federal departments and agencies. He develops and executes Paralyzed Veterans’ Washington agenda in areas of budget, appropriations, healthcare, and Veterans benefits issues, as well as disability civil rights. After graduating from the Military Academy at West Point, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (1st Brigade) of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He graduated from Infantry Officer Basic Course, U.S. Army Ranger School, U.S. Army Airborne School, and Air Assault School. Blake has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, and German Parachutist Badge.