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
- must submit 2 letters of recommendation from persons of authority (Tomb Guard family members only)
- must submit supporting 400-500 word essay about "What the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Means to Me" (Tomb Guard family members only)
- 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 only 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 about "How you will continue to honor/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 supporting 400-500 word essay about "What the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Means to Me"
- 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?
Is it true after two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb, that there are only 600 presently worn, and that the Guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin?
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB) is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series of tests. The TGIB is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served nine months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 600 have been awarded since its creation in the late 1950's (on average 10 per year). And while the TGIB can be revoked, the offense must be such that it discredits the Tomb of the Unknowns. Revocation is at the 3rd Infantry Regimental Commander’s discretion and can occur while active duty or even when the Sentinel is a civilian. The TGIB is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.
