Guard reprimand of Hegseth party at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
A US Army sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery publicly reprimanded a group that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, asking them to maintain respect during a Veterans Day visit at which President Trump laid a wreath. Video of the episode drew attention to Hegseth, who had survived an impeachment attempt the day before. The soldier was later summoned to the Pentagon, where Hegseth presented him with a medal.
Current state
A Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sentinel publicly reprimanded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his group for laughing and talking during a Veterans Day visit; the soldier, Specialist Thomas Iglesias, was then summoned to the Pentagon, where Hegseth awarded him a Joint Service Commendation Medal.
8 sources · 12 reports · Updated 13 Nov 2026
What changed
Reprimanding soldier summoned to Pentagon, awarded medal by Hegseth
The soldier who reprimanded Hegseth's group, Specialist Thomas Iglesias, was summoned to the Pentagon, where Hegseth awarded him the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Developments
- Key development
Hegseth awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his execution of duties after the reprimand.
- Key development
A sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier publicly reprimanded Hegseth and his group, ordering them to maintain silence and respect after laughter and talking during the Veterans Day visit.