Megan K. Edinger, a member of the National Guard since 2006, has been promoted to Major.
By Gary Weckselblatt
Megan K. Edinger, director of orchestras at seven schools in the Quakertown Community School District, has been promoted to the rank of Major (MAJ) in the Army National Guard.
MAJ Edinger officially received her promotion Friday, November 6 at the National Guard Armory in Allentown. Army Lieutenant Colonel. Angelo Catalano and QCSD Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner each placed an epaulette on the Major’s shoulders during Friday’s ceremony.
The event took place in front of the Soldiers of 213th Regional Support Group, MAJ Edinger’s parents, children, family members and friends, QCSD educators and state Sen. Bob Mensch.
MAJ Edinger became emotional when speaking of her parents. Her father is a former Philadelphia police officer whose vocation inspired her to military service. Her mom, she said, has always been “the fire in my heart and the wind beneath my wings.”
Dr. Harner, who enjoyed a 20-year Army career after graduating from the United States Military Academy, praised MAJ Edinger for beginning the district’s strings program two years ago and directing the orchestras of five elementary schools, the Sixth Grade Center and Strayer Middle School.
“I’ve watched Megan Edinger closely as she started the strings program,” Dr. Harner said. “Obviously, the work level she has in Quakertown has been remarkable. Everyone says she’s great to work with. She’s been spectacular, and I’m proud of her.”
Erin Oleksa-Carter, Supervisor of Literacy, ELD, Fine Arts and Director of Federal Programs for the district, and Todd Silvius, Music Content Specialist and Sixth Grade Center Band Director, also attended the ceremony to support MAJ Edinger.
Sen. Mensch gushed about his East Greenville constituent. “It amazes me how she’s balanced her life,” he said. “She teaches in seven schools. Her commitment to the military and our national defense. But most especially to raising two young, wonderful children. That’s incredible. It shows her commitment as an educator, military officer and as a parent. She’s an extraordinary person.”
A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, MAJ Edinger earned both a Master of Arts Degree and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. She received her commission in 2010 through the IUP ROTC program. She has since earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Holy Family University.
MAJ Edinger joined the Maryland Army National Guard in June 2006 as a Specialist in the 229th Army Band in Nottingham, Md. She has served as Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Operations Officer at the 213 Personnel Company in Fort Indiantown Gap, PA. Her next assignment was as the Human Resources Officer for the 728th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), Spring City, PA. She later served as the Company Commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 728th CSSB.
After more than two years of command, MAJ Edinger was transferred to the 213th Regional Support Group to serve as the Brigade Human Resources Officer in Allentown. Her military education includes Basic Officer Leadership Course, Human Resources Plans and Operations Course, and Human Resources Captain Career Course in Ft. Jackson, S.C.
MAJ Edinger’s awards and badges include: Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon.
Before coming to Quakertown, she taught in the Norristown Area and Upper Darby school districts.
“Quakertown has been a dream job,” she said. “It’s not without its challenges, but between the faculty, the staff and the administration, everyone tries to come up with ways to make things work.”
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at [email protected].