In 1996, he was appointed by the administration of President William J. Clinton as State Director of USDA Rural Development in Arkansas.

Edwards was part of the 39th Infantry Brigade of the Arkansas Army National Guard when it deployed to Iraq in 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

He served as the Staff Judge Advocate and was awarded the Combat Action Badge and the Bronze Star for his service.

Edwards was also sent with a Task Force Arkansas to support relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

[2] He conducted one of the inquires that dispelled many of the myths and rumors surrounding alleged violence at the New Orleans Convention Center.