Artwork of Gene Snyder

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Carl E. “Gene” Snyder enlisted in the U.S Army and underwent Basic Combat Training and Infantry Advanced Individual Training (11B) at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 1991, Snyder reenlisted as a multimedia illustrator (25M) and attended Multimedia Illustrator Advanced Individual Training (25M) at Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado. He was then assigned to the 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at Fort Myer, Virginia, where he served as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the regiment’s graphics office. In 1994, Army artist Peter Varisano selected him to become the Army’s Artist-in-Residence at the U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH) in Washington, DC. While at CMH, he created works in a variety of media, including several pieces focusing on Army peacekeeping and humanitarian missions overseas, and the illustration of General Gordon R. Sullivan, who established the Army Artist Program during his term as Army Chief of Staff, that graced the cover of the Spring 2024 issue of On Point.

Then-Sergeant Carl “Gene” Snyder works in his studio at the U.S. Army Center of Military History in 1995. (Courtesy of Gene Snyder)
Then-Sergeant Carl “Gene” Snyder works in his studio at the U.S. Army Center of Military History in 1995. (Courtesy of Gene Snyder)



Snyder’s last Army assignment was as a graphics instructor at the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Maryland. Since leaving the Army in 2000, he has continued to work at CMH as a civilian employee. Currently, he is the senior graphic designer and production team leader, where his work focuses on the design of historical books, pamphlets, brochures, posters, and electronic publications.

A soldier looks for mines during a deployment to the Balkans in Snyder’s 1996 oil on canvas, Probing for Landmines – Bosnia. (Army Museum Enterprise Art Collection)
A soldier looks for mines during a deployment to the Balkans in Snyder’s 1996 oil on canvas, Probing for Landmines – Bosnia. (Army Museum Enterprise Art Collection)
Soldiers slingload a Humvee to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at the Air Assault School, Fort Campbell Kentucky, in Snyder’s 1997 oil on canvas, Mighty Mighty Fine Slingload. (Army Museum Enterprise Art Collection)
Soldiers slingload a Humvee to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at the Air Assault School, Fort Campbell Kentucky, in Snyder’s 1997 oil on canvas, Mighty Mighty Fine Slingload. (Army Museum Enterprise Art Collection)

In Snyder’s 1995 oil on canvas, OPFOR on the Move, soldiers drive an M60A1 tank on maneuvers at Hohenfels, Germany. (Army Museum Enterprise Art Collection)
In Snyder’s 1995 oil on canvas, OPFOR on the Move, soldiers drive an M60A1 tank on maneuvers at Hohenfels, Germany. (Army Museum Enterprise Art Collection)
Soldiers drive a Humvee during a deployment to Rwanda in Snyder’s 1995 oil on canvas, Rwanda Patrol. (Army Museum Enterprise Art Collection)
Soldiers drive a Humvee during a deployment to Rwanda in Snyder’s 1995 oil on canvas, Rwanda Patrol. (Army Museum Enterprise Art Collection)



In addition to his military education, Snyder holds a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and Art History from Vermont College-Norwich University. Along with his work for the Army, he is a commissioned painter and freelance illustrator. His work can be viewed on his website at www.snyderart.com.