This year, the recipient of the Citizen Soldier Award is Rear Admiral Richard W. Schneider, USCGR (Ret).

Born in 1946 in Queens, New York, Rear Admiral Schneider graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1968 starting his thirty yearlong military career. Rear Admiral Schneider served eight years on active duty, including a tour in Vietnam. He then entered the Coast Guard Reserve. As a soldier, he was awarded the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Navy Commendation Medal, and numerous campaign decorations for his service in Vietnam.

A soldier and a scholar, Schneider earned a master’s degree in liberal studies from Wesleyan University and a doctorate in public policy from the University of Delaware. In 1992, he became the 23rd President of Norwich University and served in that role for 28 years. Under his leadership, Norwich University grew annual enrollment 62%, established five institutes and centers of excellence, raised $272 million over five campaigns, built or renovated 97% of all academic space, and prepared thousands of students to become leaders in the military and civilian fields. Four of its colleges now offer 39 different undergraduate majors, six of those degree completion programs are now offered online. In 2020, after 28 years as President, he retired from Norwich University and currently serves as President Emeritus. His commitment to sacrifice, service, higher education, and the military exemplifies the characteristics of the citizen soldier.