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Unknown Soldier's Journey Home: From the Battlefields of France to Arlington National Cemetery
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Unknown Soldier's Journey Home: From the Battlefields of France to Arlington National Cemetery
This is a 40-page hardcover book in handy 7''x 6" format that tells the adventurous true story of how the remains of the Unknown Soldier were retrieved from a battlefield in France and brought home to the U.S. to his final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery. A little-known episode in American military history, this story is intended to honor not only one but all who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The book's publication in 2021 coincides with the 100th anniversary of the return of the Unknown Soldier.
About the Authors:
Nancy Rust is passionate about books and believes well-chosen words can empower young people and make the world a better place. After nearly three decades of teaching reading, writing, and literature, she began her career as an author. She majored in English at Western Kentucky University and got Master of Arts and Education Specialist degrees from Louisiana State University. She and her husband live near Lafayette, Louisiana.
Carol Stubbs grew up with a love of reading and writing that was encouraged by her family. Her writing career has included being a journalist, freelance writer, English teacher, and author. She is also a potter and enjoys creating designs inspired by Louisiana swamps and bayous. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University and a Masters in Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She is a member of the Louisiana Crafts Guild and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in south Louisiana with her husband and two cats.
About the Artist:
Melissa Vandiver is a New Orleans-based artist and illustrator, specializing in painting and digital art. She studied architecture at Clemson University, and shortly after moved to New Orleans to do Hurricane Katrina relief work. After nearly a decade in architecture-related jobs, she decided to pursue her true passion: art.
Her artistic mission is simple: to create images that evoke joy. She accomplishes this in part through picture books, comic strips, and whimsical portraits of animals in costume.
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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.
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Did you know?
How many Sentinels have been female?
There have been over 700 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 eight female Sentinels awarded the Tomb Guard Identification Badge:
SGT Danyell Wilson earned her badge in 1997SSG Tonya Bell received hers in 1998
SGT Ruth Hanks earned her badge in June 2015
SFC Chelsea Porterfield earned her badge in 2021
SGT Kamille Torres earned her badge in 2022
SPC Jessica Kwiatkowski earned her badge in 2023
SGT Kaylee Johnston earned her badge in 2024
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.
