James J. Sydnor is a native Washingtonian and a product of the DC public school system, graduating from Calvin Coolidge High School in 1980. Sydnor then achieved a Master’s in Homeland Security degree from the University of the District of Columbia in 2018.

Serving his community, James was a prior Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner representing Single Member District 4B04 and the Ward 4 Committeeman as a member of the District of Columbia Democratic State Committee. He is now serving as At-Large Committeeman. Sydnor’s service to the community extends to veterans and military families. James is the former Chair of the Veterans and Military Families Caucus on the DC Democratic State Committee; current Chief of Staff of the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 341; member of Kenneth Nash American Legion Post 8; and a public member of the Mayor’s Advisory Board on DC Veterans Affairs.

Lance Corporal Sydnor began his career in the United States Marine Corps as a mortarman with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines – 1st Marine Division.

Corporal Sydnor became one of the last active Cadre Instructors on Submarine Base Kitsap. There, he and a team of Marines maintained the base’s Auxiliary Security Force, instructing sailors on base defense tactics and deployment of tactical weapons.

Sergeant Sydnor transitioned from active duty to the reserves as a Landing Support Specialist where Staff Sergeant Sydnor deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II as an Embarkation Chief.

Continuing his career, Gunnery Sergeant Sydnor became an Individual Marine Augmentee in support of exercise Key Resolve held by U.S. Forces Korea with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.

Having obtained the rank of 1st Sergeant, James retired after 22 years of military service.