Donald E. Edwards facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Donald E. Edwards
Edwards during his time as Vermont's top military officer
Born	(1937-06-15)June 15, 1937 Bellows Falls, Vermont, U.S.
Died	August 16, 2018(2018-08-16) (aged 81) South Bristol, Maine, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1959–1997
Rank	Major General
Unit	United States Army Armor Branch U.S. Army Transportation Corps
Commands held	413th Supply and Service Battalion Vermont National Guard
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal
Other work	Member, Vermont House of Representatives Staff assistant, U.S. Rep. Bernie Sanders

Donald E. Edwards (born June 15, 1937 – died August 16, 2018) was an American military officer. He was best known for serving as the top military officer for the State of Vermont. This role is called the adjutant general. He held this important job from 1981 to 1997. As adjutant general, he was in charge of organizing, training, and equipping nearly 4,000 members of the Vermont Army and Air National Guard. He also led the State Military Department, which included the Veterans Affairs office.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Donald Everett Edwards was born in Bellows Falls, Vermont, on June 15, 1937. He went to school in Saxtons River, Vermont and graduated from Vermont Academy in 1955. He started his military career in 1959 as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He joined the Army after graduating from Norwich University and completing the ROTC program.

He became a specialist in moving supplies and troops, known as a Transportation officer. He served in the regular Army until 1971. During this time, he spent three years in West Germany. He also served two years in Vietnam (1965–66, 1968–69) during the Vietnam War. Later, he spent two years in England (1969–71) as part of a special exchange program with the British Army.

After leaving active duty, Edwards served in the Army Reserve from 1971. In 1981, the Vermont General Assembly chose him to be the Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard. While in the Reserve, he commanded a battalion, which is a large group of soldiers.

Civilian Work

Between 1971 and 1981, before becoming Adjutant General, Donald Edwards had a civilian career. He worked as a dealer, buying and selling fine art and old items. He also valued properties, antiques, and household goods.

He was involved in his local community in Grafton, Vermont. He served on the town's School Board and Planning Commission. He also worked with the Windham Regional Planning Commission. From 1975 to 1981, he was a member of the Vermont House of Representatives. He represented the Democratic Party in the state legislature.

Education and Training

Donald Edwards received a strong education throughout his life.

• In 1959, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.
• In 1968, he earned a Master of Science degree in transportation from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee.
• He also completed advanced military training. In 1977, he graduated from the Command and General Staff Officer Course at the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
• In 1980, he completed studies at the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Edwards also attended a special program for senior leaders in state and local government. This program was held at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Military Roles and Promotions

Donald Edwards held several important roles during his military career.

• From June 1959 to October 1971, he served in the United States Army. This included his time in the Vietnam War and commanding a company of soldiers.
• From November 1971 to February 1981, he served in the United States Army Reserve. During this time, he commanded the 413th Supply and Service Battalion.
• From March 1981 to March 1997, he was The Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard. His office was first in Winooski and later in Colchester, Vermont.

He was promoted through many ranks during his service:

• Second Lieutenant, June 6, 1959
• First Lieutenant, December 6, 1960
• Captain, June 6, 1963
• Major, July 14, 1967
• Lieutenant Colonel, December 15, 1975
• Colonel, December 14, 1980
• Brigadier General, March 2, 1982
• Major General, May 10, 1983

Awards and Honors

Donald Edwards received many awards for his military service. Some of his top honors include:

• Legion of Merit
• Bronze Star Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Army Commendation Medal (with Two Oak Leaf Clusters)
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Military Retirement

In 1997, Edwards sought to be reappointed as adjutant general. However, he was not chosen for the role again. The Vermont General Assembly elects the adjutant general for a two-year term. They chose Martha Rainville instead. Rainville made history as the first woman to ever become a state adjutant general. Donald Edwards retired from the military when Rainville took over the duties.

Later Career and Retirement

After retiring from the military, General Edwards continued to work. For two years, he served on the staff of U.S. Representative Bernie Sanders. Later, he became a commentator on Fox News. He also worked as an Executive Vice President for an Information Technology company.

In his final retirement, Edwards still shared his thoughts on public matters. He wrote articles for magazines and appeared in other media. He was part of the National Veterans Steering Committee for John F. Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign. Edwards lived in South Bristol, Maine and Ashburn, Virginia.

Other Achievements

Donald Edwards was a respected leader in the military community. He served as president of the Adjutants General Association of the United States. He was also a vice president of the National Guard Association of the United States.

Death and Burial

Donald Edwards passed away in South Bristol, Maine, on August 16, 2018. He was laid to rest at Old Oak Cemetery in South Bristol.

Family Life

Donald Edwards was married several times. In 1960, he married Mary Baldasaro. Later, in 1965, he married Julie Ellen Schmid. In 1982, he married Elizabeth M. Deppman. In 1992, he married Jennifer Suzanne Wool. In 2008, he married Susan Marie Bean.

Edwards was a father to two sons, William E. and Edmund E. Edwards. He was also survived by his wife, Sue, and his step-children: Elijah, Josiah, Ariadne, and Nathaniel.