Specialist Iglesias earns Joint Service Commendation for stopping Hegseth's photo op
The Joint Service Commendation Medal, a high tier distinction rarely given to junior enlisted troops, was awarded for maintaining decorum during a Veterans Day visit.
By Pedro Tanaka ·
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented Specialist Thomas Iglesias with the Joint Service Commendation Medal on Thursday for his conduct at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Pentagon confirmed the award was given for Iglesias’s execution of duties on November 11, 2026. This medal ranks among the higher honors in the military and is not typically issued to junior enlisted personnel.
Hegseth shared images of the ceremony on social media, showing him pinning the medal and shaking the soldier’s hand. The post included the caption, “We love soldiers. We love standards. Well done, Specialist.” The Army unit responsible for guarding the tomb was welcomed to the Pentagon for the presentation.
The incident occurred during a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery that included President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Video footage captured Hegseth, his wife Jennifer, Chief of Staff Ricky Buria, Deputy Chief of Staff Patrick Weaver, and Senior Adviser Tami Radabaugh taking photos on the empty steps in front of the memorial.
A loud laugh from the group prompted Iglesias to reprimand them. The soldier asked the officials to maintain decorum. Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s top spokesman, noted shortly after the video surfaced that the soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone of the site’s solemnity.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as the final resting place for unidentified service members from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Soldiers from the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, have guarded the site around the clock since 1948.
The episode renewed scrutiny on Hegseth following an impeachment attempt on Tuesday. Republican Representative Thomas Massie led the effort with Democratic support. The vote failed to remove Hegseth from office, but the outcome may only delay future bids given the changing composition of Congress in January.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Hegseth described the impeachment drive as an indictment against the nation’s service members. He stated that the move was not patriotism but sabotage, arguing he had not committed the high crimes required for removal under the Constitution.
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