It was announced Thursday that Edwards will now be one of five elected national vice commanders of the nation’s largest veterans organization during it 104th national convention.

A retired Army veteran who served in special forces, Edwards is known locally for his role as the Utah County Veterans Services coordinator for the Utah County Commissioners since 2009. He founded and chairs the Utah County Veterans Services Community Partnership monthly meetings. He enjoys and displays historic national flags for all community events associated with the Freedom Festival in Provo. He is also the chairman for the Freedom Festival flag retirement ceremony.

“No one is more helpful to the Freedom Festival than Randy,” said Jim Evans, the festival’s executive director. “He is an integral part of our festival from the flag retirement to the gala and patriotic service to the Stadium of Fire.”

Evans noted that Edwards is a great teacher and takes the time to teach those young and old proper flag etiquette and respect of veterans. He also purchases all of his own flags.

Edwards was a member the Utah National Guard and the Army Reserve. According to a news release announcing the appointment, he is a paid-up-for-life member of the American Legion and has held offices at every level of the organization. He has served as the department (state) commander of Utah and chaired the Americanism Commission, Citizenship and Naturalization Sub-Committee and the 1919 Society Charities for Utah. He was also an associate representative for the Veterans Affairs Volunteer Services.

Edwards serves as the State Funeral for All Wars chairman for Utah, honoring the last living Medal of Honor recipients for all wars. He previously served as southern chairman of fundraising for the Utah Veterans and Military Affairs State Cemetery.

He has earned several awards and recognitions including earning in 2022 the National Daughters of the American Revolution Volunteers Award and the Utah County Veterans Voluntary Award. He served on the Governor’s Military Advisory Board from 2012-2013.

A father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Edwards enjoys reading, history, vexillology (the study of flags) and cruises with his wife, Linda.