Lieutenant Colonel Sidwell is a native of Montello, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He attained his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps as a Second Lieutenant. Following The Basic School, he earned the Naval Aviator Designation in 2007. 1stLt Sidwell reported to the KC-130J Aviation Training Unit at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, in November 2007. In April 2008, he reported for duty as a KC-130J pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 at MCAS Futenma in Okinawa, Japan.

While assigned to VMGR-152, Capt Sidwell served in various billets in the Logistics and Operations Departments. In addition to supporting numerous 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) exercises across the Pacific, he deployed with VMGR-152 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in November 2009. Following this deployment, he upgraded to Aircraft Commander.

Capt Sidwell was reassigned to VMGR-234 in Fort Worth, Texas, in May 2011 to fly the KC-130T. In October 2011, he attended the Aviation Maintenance Officer Course and assumed duties as the Airframes OIC in the Maintenance Department. After upgrading to Aircraft Commander in the KC-130T, he was selected to attend the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) in Yuma, Arizona. He graduated in October 2012 and assumed the duties as the squadron’s Aircrew Training Officer. In March 2013, he deployed to Isa Air Base in Bahrain for duties as the VMGR-452 Detachment F Maintenance Officer in support of MAG-50 MARCENT (FWD). 

In June 2014, Capt Sidwell left active duty and joined VMGR-234 in the Selective Marine Corps Reserves where he continued in the Operations Department as the Aircrew Training Officer. Upon completion of the Joint Air Operations Command and Control Course in August of 2018, Maj Sidwell was reassigned to the 4th MAW Aviation Command and Control Team (AC2T) at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois.

He assumed duties as part of the Marine Liaison Element in the Joint Air Operations Center advocating for MAGTF forces during various exercises across the Pacific. LtCol Sidwell returned to VMGR-234 in October 2021 where he served at the detachment OIC for ITX 4-22. He continues to serve in the Operations Department today.

LtCol Sidwell’s civilian profession is a commercial airline pilot on the Boeing 787 with American Airlines. LtCol Sidwell’s personal awards include the Air Medal with strike/flight (4) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2).