Retired United States Army Lt. Col. Ed Rawlins has won honor for his long service on the mats of Virginia.

Typical of his superb and understated control of an event is the Northern Region Wrestling Classic. An early season 32-team brawl, it is a thankless job to officiate with six mats, hundreds of matches for each of the nine officials, noisy crowds, a range of talent from first year kids to defending state champs, and lots of disruptions and changes of schedule due to weather. Despite a volatile atmosphere, Rawlins utilizes his talent for informal discussion and evaluation combined with easy-going excellence and large presence to keep spectators and coaches alike polite.

He approaches his sport with the air of one who has made many contributions.

After graduating from Penn Trafford High School in 1984 and Edinboro University in 1988, he coached briefly and then moved south and into officiating. Rawlins has worked 25 years as a referee, including 23 in Virginia. His quality work at both the high school and collegiate levels has led to high-profile assignments, including 10 Virginia High School League state tournaments and 22 district and regional tournaments.

Recognition has followed achievement as he was named Official of the Year by his officials association in 2016, and received the Dr. Pat McCormack Official of the Year award in 2015. Respect from colleagues is demonstrated by multiple leadership positions, including being the commissioner of the Northern Virginia Wrestling Officials Association.

Rawlins won't put it forward much in conversation, but he is also a combat veteran and the recipient of the Bronze Star and a Legion of Merit medal. He earned a Combat Infantryman's Badge while also being a military parachutist and an Army Ranger.

Rawlins is the ideal man for working with the youth of our country.