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 same
- must be a member in good standing with the SHGTUS
- must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited institution of higher learning or secondary vocation school
- must submit latest annual education transcripts
- must submit 2 letters of recommendation from persons of authority (Tomb Guard family members only)
- must submit supporting 4-500 word thesis 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
Award recipients:
- 2015 - Joshua Wesnidge Tomb Guard #608
- 2014 - Will Marshall Tomb Guard #607
- 2013 - Charlotte Tatum, daughter of Ed Tatum
- 2012 - Noah Compton, son of Brian Compton
- 2011 - Jaclyn Wallace, daughter of Jerry Wallace
- 2010 - Vacant
- 2009 - Charlotte Tatum, daughter of Ed Tatum
- 2008 - Ryan Kline (2nd Award) Tomb Guard #505
- 2007 - Adam Nemon Tomb Guard #543
- 2006 - Matthew Kreeb Tomb Guard #510
- 2005 - Ellis Bowers Tomb Guard #519
- 2004 - Ryan Kline Tomb Guard #505
- 2003 - Jessica Dawson, daughter of John Dawson
- 2002 - Jim Smith
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 a member in good standing with the SHGTUS
- must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited institution of higher learning or secondary vocation school
- must submit latest annual education transcripts
- application with the aforementioned must be received by the SHGTUS no later than May 15
Award recipients:
- 2015 - CPT Ryan Ball Tomb Guard #522
- 2014 - Kevin Welker Tomb Guard #448
- 2013 - Benjamin Bell Tomb Guard #494
- 2012 - Matt Kreeb Tomb Guard #510
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 vocation school
- must submit latest annual education transcripts
- must submit 2 letters of recommendation from persons of authority
- must submit supporting 4-500 word thesis 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
Award recipients:
- 2015 - Ryan Haupt, grandson of George Haupt
- 2014 - James Wilson, brother of Case Wilson
- 2013 - Kathleen Compton, spouse of Brian Compton
- 2012 - Tara Ryan
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?
Do you guard in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?
YES, but the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier is never put at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be executed if the weather conditions ever place the Soldiers at risk of injury or death (i.e. lightning, high winds, etc). This ensures that Sentinels can continue the mission while ensuring safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.
It was erroneously reported that during Hurricane Isabel, the Sentinels were ordered to abandon their posts for shelter and that they refused. No such order was ever given. All proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the Sentinels while accomplishing their mission. Risk assessments are constantly conducted by the Chain of Command during changing conditions to ensure that soldier welfare is maintained during mission accomplishment.