The adjutant general is the senior uniformed officer in the state and responsible for the organization, training and equipping of nearly 4,000 members of the Vermont Army and Air National Guard.

[2] He began his military career as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Armor Branch in 1959 after graduation from Norwich University and completion of the Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

[8] In 1997 Edwards was defeated for reappointment as adjutant general, losing the legislature's election to Martha Rainville.

After his military retirement General Edwards served on the staff of U.S. Representative Bernie Sanders for two years.

[15] Later he was an on-air commentator for Fox News[16] and the Executive Vice President of an Information Technology company.

[17] In retirement Edwards continued to comment on public affairs in magazine articles and other media.

[30] In addition to them, he was survived by his wife Sue, and his step-children Elijah, Josiah, Ariadne, and Nathaniel.