Steve "Cutter" Blades was born in the rugged mountains of western Virginia and raised just outside Atlanta, Georgia. At 17, he joined the U.S. Army, beginning his military career in the Artillery before transitioning to Military Intelligence as a translator. His service took him to diverse locations, including Oklahoma, Texas, California, Germany, Riyadh, and beyond, culminating in several impactful years at the NSA. After nearly a decade of dedicated service, he transitioned to civilian life, settling on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

There, Cutter met his wife, Teresa, and embarked on a new career as a web application developer. After 15 years in Nashville, he, Teresa, and their daughter, Savannah, relocated to New Bern, North Carolina. Now in his second year as Commander of Dixon-Conderman VFW Post 2514, Cutter leads with pride, honoring veterans in his community. Recently elected as Junior Vice Commander of North Carolina's District 4, he continues to serve with unwavering commitment to community and country.