CSM Glenn Allen Blackwell

“Leadership is not about authority — it’s about responsibility.”

Honor CSM Blackwell
A smiling woman with glasses and shoulder-length hair, and a smiling man with gray hair, are close together outdoors in front of autumn foliage.

In Honor of Command Sergeant Major Glenn Allen Blackwell (Ret.)

Command Sergeant Major Glenn Allen Blackwell’s story is one of quiet strength, resilience, and purpose.

He grew up in difficult circumstances — losing his father to alcoholism before the age of twelve and navigating a childhood without the stability or care every child deserves. After spending time at the Boys Home of Virginia and briefly finding refuge with relatives, he once again faced homelessness when hardship forced him out.

A local dairy farming family eventually took him in. The work was demanding and left little room for school, leading him to leave his studies behind. Yet even then, Glenn refused to let his circumstances define his future. He earned his GED, was drafted into the U.S. Army, and went on to build a distinguished military career marked by integrity, fairness, and service.

Through discipline and determination, he transformed every obstacle into an opportunity to grow. He later completed an associate degree from Central Texas College, proving that perseverance and faith can carry a person far beyond their beginnings.

His life stands as a testament to the power of second chances and the belief that leadership is not born from privilege, but from purpose. The CSM Project was founded to honor his legacy by extending that same spirit of guidance, hope, and possibility to young men forging their own paths toward adulthood.

  • "In your career, you can tell just three lies. Every other time you must always tell the truth. If you always tell the truth, when it comes time to use one of them, people will hesitate not to believe it — and it can save your career."

    - CSM Glenn Allen Blackwell

A young male basketball player in a sleeveless jersey with the number 54, holding a large trophy, standing in an indoor gymnasium.
Two soldiers in camouflage uniforms standing beside a military vehicle in a desert landscape.
A young man in military camouflage uniform standing outdoors next to a tree, looking directly at the camera.
Military personnel standing in formation on a sandy area with tents in the background and smoke rising in the distance.
Black and white photo of a basketball player in mid-air taking a shot, wearing a jersey number 35 and shorts, on an indoor court with other players in the background.
Group of children and adults posing in front of a large US Army artillery cannon on display outdoors.
Black and white photo of a boys' baseball team posing on bleachers outdoors, with trees in the background. The boys are wearing uniforms with
Three young women and a soldier posing outdoors on a sunny day.
A young soldier in uniform standing outdoors, holding a rifle.
Young man in U.S. Army uniform with a dark jacket, tie, and garrison cap, professional portrait against a plain background.
Military soldier in uniform standing in front of the American flag.
Two military officers shaking hands in a parking lot with other soldiers and military vehicles in the background.
A soldier in camouflage uniform and helmet standing outdoors with hands on hips in front of a garden and flag. A person is partially visible on the right side behind a black structure.
A military awards ceremony with a soldier receiving a medal from an officer, while a woman looks on, with military personnel and American flags in the background.
A woman in military uniform standing on a grassy lawn with trees and a brick structure in the background
A male soldier wearing camouflage uniform and helmet standing in front of a large group of soldiers seated outdoors, with a camouflage net overhead.
A young man with dark hair stands in front of a beige vintage Volkswagen Beetle parked on a street. He is wearing a light yellow polo shirt, blue overalls, and a medical cast on his left leg. The man holds a white folder or book, and behind him is a
Group photo of a football team standing on steps outside a building, wearing light blue jerseys with white numbers and white pants, with helmets placed on the ground in front.
A soldier standing in a desert with rocks in the background, a white cylindrical object on the ground, and a clear blue sky.
Group of military personnel in uniform posing outdoors in front of modern building.
A young man with short brown hair sitting on a chair, wearing a white T-shirt, next to a brick wall.
Military personnel in uniform walking past a seated audience at a formal event in a banquet hall.
Black and white photograph of a man in a formal military uniform, standing sheltered against a plain background, with medals and insignia on his chest and sleeve.
A black and white photo of a youth baseball team with two adult coaches, posed outdoors on a grassy field; the team is dressed in baseball uniforms reading 'Harbor Jowls Yankees,' with some players holding baseball gloves.
Group of six men in military camouflage uniforms inside a tent with a camouflage net overhead.
A man in camouflage military uniform standing with four young women in casual clothing in a room with wood-paneled walls and chairs.
A person wearing military camouflage pants, a brown t-shirt, a camouflage hat, and a watch, standing outdoors next to a partially built wooden structure with a small open doorway, under a clear blue sky.
Young man in a park taking a photo with a camera, smiling, with trees in the background.
Three soldiers in camouflage uniforms and hats standing in front of a military vehicle in a desert environment.
Black and white photo of a man in a military uniform, wearing a cap, looking to the side with a serious expression.
Black and white photograph of a boys' basketball team with a coach, seated on a gym bleacher. The players wear basketball uniforms with numbers and the words 'Boys' and 'Home' on them. Four players are seated in the front row, and six players stand b
Two soldiers in camouflage uniforms standing outdoors in front of an apartment building, with a tree and children in the background.

Leadership. & Integrity.

CSM Glenn Allen Blackwell’s life was defined by resilience, integrity, and service.

The CSM Project continues his legacy by empowering young men facing similar challenges, those emerging from foster care, group homes, or homelessness, and gives them the support to step confidently into college, careers, or military service.

Your gift helps provide essentials, mentorship, and opportunities that reflect the values he lived by: honor, discipline, compassion, and purpose.

Give today and carry his legacy forward — one young man at a time.

Donate Now

Your gift fuels mentorship, opportunity, and hope.

Honor the legacy of Command Sergeant Major Glenn Allen Blackwell by helping young men build the kind of future he believed in — one grounded in integrity, service, and purpose.

Support Our Mission