Nov. 08, 2023
The public is invited to join our Corps of Cadets, their families, and our alumni, in honoring our nation's veterans on Saturday, November 11th at 11:00 AM. This is the traditional time for the celebration of Veterans Day—at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, which is the moment in 1918 […]...
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The public is invited to join our Corps of Cadets, their families, and our alumni, in honoring our nation's veterans on Saturday, November 11th at 11:00 AM. This is the traditional time for the celebration of Veterans Day—at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, which is the moment in 1918 when World War One was ended under the terms of an armistice agreement. The event was celebrated annually as Armistice Day until 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhour signed legislation changing the name of the remembrance from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The event will take place at the Veterans Memorial located at the front of our campus alongside US Route 15.

The speaker for the event will be our own Command Sergeant Major Glenn Sidwell, a much-decorated combat veteran. CSM Sidwell has served the Academy faithfully for over 30 years, impacting the lives of multiple generations of young men and shaping the the culture of our FUMA.

CSM Glenn Sidwell
CSM Glenn Sidwell

CSM Glenn Sidwell

Glenn Sidwell was born in Munday, West Virginia and enlisted in the United States Army in November 1959. His overseas combat assignments included extended tours in Vietnam with some of the most respected units in that conflict including the 75th Rangers and the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), also known as the Green Berets.  His stateside tours included two tours of duty with the Third United States Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard"), at Fort Myer, Virginia.  In June 1998, CSM Sidwell was named a Distinguished Member of The Regiment for his service in the The Old Guard.  Command Sergeant Major Sidwell has earned multiple master’s degrees, and has received the following awards and decorations during his years in service to our nation:  

  • Bronze Star (2 Oak Leaf Clusters with "V" Device) 
  • Purple Heart Medal
  • Meritorious Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster) 
  • Air Medal (2nd Award) 
  • Joint Service Commendation Medal 
  • Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters with "V" Device) 
  • Good Conduct Medal (5th Award) 
  • Combat Infantryman Badge 
  • Master Parachutist Badge 
  • Air Assault Badge 
  • Pathfinder Badge 
  • Special Forces Tab 
  • Ranger Tab 

CSM Sidwell joined the FUMA staff in August of 1989, and during his time here has served as TAC for every company. CSM Sidwell was the lead in the acquisition of the M-1 Garand rifles used by the cadets here at FUMA. 

The Sidwell Leadership Scholarship

In recognition of CSM Sidwell's lifetime of selfless dedication, former cadet Peter W. Congdon and his father, John R. Congdon, Jr., have established the Command Sergeant Major Glenn Sidwell Endowed Leadership Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship will provide crucial tuition support for returning members of the Corps of Cadets who exemplify a profound commitment to the art and science of servant-style leadership, a core value taught at the Academy.

To launch this remarkable scholarship, the Congdon family has not only made a substantial initial contribution but has also pledged to match dollar-for-dollar all donations received for the fund before July 1, 2024, up to $100,000. Furthermore, should the Academy raise $100,000 during this period, the Congdon family will generously add an additional $50,000 to the fund.

This Veterans Day would be a wonderful time to honor our veterans by making a gift towards the Sidwell Leadership Scholarship in honor or in memory of a veteran who is special in your life. Contributions designated for the Sidwell Leadership Scholarship may be made online at www.forkunion.com/giving.

Join us!

We invite you to join us in honoring our nation's veterans on November 11th at 11:00 AM on our campus.

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