Spring Break
URI Army ROTC instructor receives prestigious national teaching award
Andy Blais
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: News
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The award is the most prestigious ROTC teaching award and is given each year to an instructor in the Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC. Edwards received the award for his involvement with the Army.
Edwards said yesterday that he thinks of the award not as an individual accomplishment, but one that confirms the hard work of the 10 staff members of URI ROTC.
"It's a huge honor to receive the award because there are so many outstanding Army ROTC instructors across the country," Edwards, of the URI ROTC's Cramer Saber Battalion, said.
Edwards will receive his award and a $500 U.S. savings bond at the annual URI ROTC spring award ceremony on May 9.
Before entering active duty in 2003, Edwards had been a high school marketing and business teacher in Fairfax, VA. Education has always been an important aspect to Edwards, as he has received three degrees from Virginia Tech, including a master's of education and an MBA.
As for his experiences at URI, Edwards cannot speak highly enough about it.
"This assignment at the University of Rhode Island has been the best assignment I have ever had in my career … working with students ... has been a real honor. You guys are what makes this job special," he said.
When Edwards entered active duty, he was first assigned to Fort Hood in Texas, where he served as the Third Corps topographic engineering officer. During his service there he was sent to Iraq from December 2003 to December 2004. Edwards said that his experience makes him "able to take my experience in a combat zone to the classroom."
The major is decorated with many different awards, including the Joint Services Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Army Achievement Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Parachutist Badge.
After completing his time in Iraq, Edwards was assigned to the ROTC in June 2005.
