Scholarships
The Society awards education scholarships to benefit Tomb Guards and their families, and individuals sponsored by Tomb Guards.
The scholarships are awarded by the Society Education Committee on a recurring annual basis to individuals meeting certain criteria specific to each scholarship.
The Society currently offers three scholarships (see below). Applicants may apply online by selecting the "Apply" button next to the scholarship, or they may request a paper application through the Society's contact page.
Neale Cosby Scholarship
The Neale Cosby Scholarship was founded in 2002 in honor of former Tomb Guard Platoon Leader Neale Cosby, who is a Founder of the Society.
The Scholarship is dedicated to current and former Tomb Guards and their family members.
Criteria:
- must be a current or former Tomb Guard or a family member of the same
- must be sponsored by a member in good standing with the SHGTUS
- must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited institution of higher learning or secondary vocational school
- must submit your latest annual education transcripts
- a family member applicant must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from persons of authority.
- must submit a supporting 400-500 word essay answering the question: "What does the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier mean to you?"
- application with the aforementioned must be received by the SHGTUS no later than May 15
Adam Dickmyer Memorial Scholarship
The Adam Dickmyer Memorial Scholarship was founded in 2010 in honor of former Tomb Guard Adam Dickmyer, who was killed in action in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Scholarship is open to current or former Tomb Guards.
Criteria:
- must be a current or former Tomb Guard
- must be sponsored by a member in good standing with the SHGTUS
- must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited institution of higher learning or secondary vocational school
- must submit your latest annual education transcripts
- must submit a supporting 400-500 word essay answering the question: "How will you continue to honor and share the history of the Unknowns?"
- application with the aforementioned must be received by the SHGTUS no later than May 15
SHGTUS Freedom Scholarship
The SHGTUS Freedom Scholarship was founded in 2012 in honor of all unknown war heroes.
The scholarship is open to anyone who has an affinity for the mission of the SHGTUS.
Criteria:
- must be sponsored by a current or former Tomb Guard - search for a Tomb Guard in your area for sponsorship
- must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited institution of higher learning or secondary vocational school
- must submit your latest annual education transcripts
- must submit 2 letters of recommendation from persons of authority
- must submit a supporting 400-500 word essay answering the question: "What can Americans learn from the sacrifices made by the Unknown Soldier, and the dedication of the Tomb Guard?"
- application with the aforementioned must be received by the SHGTUS no later than May 15
Support the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
How many Sentinels have been female?
There have been over 680 tomb guards awarded the badge since 1958 when we started counting. There are hundreds more from the year 1926 when the Army started guarding the Tomb. The 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard) is the unit that has been given the duty of guarding the Tomb. It was given this sacred duty in 1948. The Old Guard was -- and still is -- considered a combat unit. As an Infantry unit, females were not permitted in the ranks for many years. It wasn't until 1994 that females were permitted to volunteer to become a Sentinel when the 289th Military Police Company was attached to the Old Guard. The MP branch is a combat support unit and includes females.
In 1996, SGT Heather Johnsen became the first female to earn the Tomb Guard Identification Badge. She volunteered for duty in June 1995 and earned her badge in 1996. However, SGT Johnson was not the only female Sentinel. Since then, there have been a total of five female Sentinels awarded the Tomb Guard Identification Badge:
SGT Danyell Wilson earned
her badge in 1997
SSG Tonya Bell received hers in 1998
SGT Ruth
Hanks earned her badge in June 2015
SFC Chelsea Porterfield earned her badge in 2021
Several other units have since been attached to the Old Guard -- food
service, transportation, medics, etc. -- so now females have an ever
greater opportunity to become a Sentinel. Females must meet the same
requirements as the male soldiers to be eligible to volunteer at the
Tomb. the only difference is that females have a minimum height of 5'8"
-- which is the same standard to be a member of the Old Guard.
