A Tooele Iraq War veteran and retired Utah National Guardsman finally received medals and commendations this week that he earned prior to his retirement in 2008.
Utah National Guard Staff Sgt. Wendell Thayne was presented 14 military awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, by Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) on Monday morning.
“When it comes time to honor our veterans, it’s something we want to take every opportunity we can,” said Stewart, an Air Force veteran. “We feel it’s an honor to do and a sacred obligation.”
Thayne served with the Navy Reserve from 1983 to 1989 then the Utah National Guard from 1990 until 2008. His time with the National Guard included stints with the former Deseret Chemical Depot following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and a year in Iraq.
Thayne said he was inspired by his two grandfathers who served with the Navy in the Pacific theater of World War II.
While stationed in Iraq, Thayne oversaw guards at Camp Bucca in southeastern Iraq near the border with Iran and Kuwait. The prison at Camp Bucca was closed in 2009 but held prisoners that included Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and other inmates that would later form the so-called Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.
Thayne called his tour of duty in Iraq a major disruption to his life at home and retired shortly after returning home, which may have been one reason it took so long to receive the medals and commendations he earned.
“When I got back from Iraq, I got out pretty quickly and retired,” he said. “It took them a while to catch up with me.”
Thayne said he contacted the National Archives and other government agencies about his awards but his paperwork still had not been transferred.
In April, he sent an email to Stewart and the congressman’s office was able to sort out the paperwork troubles so Thayne could receive his medals. Stewart represents Utah’s 2nd congressional district.