Posted on 11/12/2026 1:07:58 PM PST by lightman
War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday honored a U.S. Army soldier who chastised him and members of his staff for talking too loudly at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, awarding him a military commendation for upholding the memorial's strict standards.
Hegseth presented the soldier, identified as Spc. Iglesias, a member of the Army's elite 3rd Infantry Regiment known as The Old Guard, with the Joint Service Commendation Medal following Wednesday's incident at Arlington National Cemetery, WBAL-TV reported. "We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist," Hegseth wrote Thursday in a post on X. "Carry on Patriots."
The award came one day after Iglesias told Hegseth's group to maintain silence while visiting the tomb following a Veterans Day ceremony. Hegseth was reportedly accompanied by his wife, chief of staff Ricky Buria, deputy chief of staff Patrick Weaver, and senior adviser and deputy assistant Tami Radabaugh.
The group had been posing for photographs in front of the memorial when some members were heard laughing and talking after the pictures were taken. Iglesias, who was standing guard at the tomb, immediately stopped his patrol, faced the group and issued a firm warning. "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times," Iglesias called out.
Hegseth responded by publicly recognizing the soldier for doing his duty rather than criticizing him for the reprimand. A Pentagon official confirmed to WBAL-TV that Hegseth welcomed members of The Old Guard to the Pentagon on Thursday, "where he proudly awarded Specialist Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal for the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" on Wednesday.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell also praised Iglesias for enforcing the rules, saying the soldier "correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum," according to the outlet.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
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Hegseth Awards Medal to Soldier Who Chastised Him”
Newsmax is not our friend. He chastised the woman with Hegseth.
The soldier has positional authority and admirably exercised it against SecWar and his company.
I’m pleased that Hegseth was a good sport about it.
That’s going to leave a positive impression with a lot of Soldiers, even more than doing push ups with the new recruits!
The soldier is to be commended yes.
There were three women there. One of them laughed loudly but men were talking too, in a place where strict silence is supposed to be observed. The soldier reprimanded the entire party.
I wonder what he gave that cackling broad that was with him and making all the noise? She needs a smack in the head.
Pete is classy!
Smart PR.
He was chatting and taking selfies with his group.
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