Edward Morris Gilchrist

Edward Morris Gilchrist, born and raised in Laurel Hill, North Carolina, his family moved to Hampton because of racial unrest in the community. Eddie graduated from Phenix High School in 1958. While at Phenix he sang in the choir, played football, basketball, and was active member of the Student Council.

He enrolled at Hampton Institute where he majored in History/Social Science Education. He was a member of the ROTC Program and after graduation was commissioned into the Army’s new military Intelligence branch.

His first duty station was Washington, D.C. He also received a MBA Degree from Central Michigan University. While in the Military for twenty-eight years, Eddie was Commander of three military intelligence units; Deputy Commander for two units; Instructor for the Army Command and Staff College and worked with several foreign county military units. He also helped with diplomatic protection during the John F. Kennedy Funeral. At the culmination of his military career, he had achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel.  

His community involvement is commendable. He is a board member of the Richmond City Clean City Commission; Voluntary Advisory Board for the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center; 100 Black Men; Virginia Education Association; Richmond Chapter of the Hampton University Alumni Association; and many others. He was an Ordained Deacon at Antioch Baptist Church, Washington, D.C.