OGDEN, Utah — In a quiet room inside the federal building in Ogden, a powerful moment unfolded as friends, family, and staff from Senator Mike Lee’s office gathered to honor a man whose service had gone unrecognized for far too long.
Lloyd Williams, a Vietnam War veteran, was the guest of honor in this intimate ceremony. It marked the end of a 55-year wait — and the return of military medals he once discarded out of shame.
Williams first shared his story with ABC4 News in November 2024 during an Honor Flight, a journey that takes veterans to the nation’s capital to visit memorials dedicated to those who served. While visiting Fort McHenry in Baltimore, he opened up about the painful return home after his service.
“When I got back from Vietnam, I was so embarrassed. I threw everything away — my uniforms, my medals,” Williams said. “I didn’t want to be reminded of it. But now, I wish I hadn’t done that.”
Moved by his story, Honor Flight organizers reached out to Senator Lee’s office to see what could be done. Emily Wiscombe, a caseworker with years of experience helping Utahns navigate federal services, took on the task of recovering the lost medals.
“This is why I love what I do,” Wiscombe said with a smile. “To help someone like Mr. Williams reclaim this part of their life is incredibly rewarding.”
In the Ogden office, five medals were placed gently into Williams’ hands as the room looked on in silence. With a black Vietnam veteran cap on his head and emotion in his voice, he reflected on what the moment meant to him.
“I wear this hat now, and people come up to me and say, ‘Welcome home,’” he said. “That means everything to me. I never got that before. I appreciate it more than I can say.”
Williams’ story is a reminder of the support available to veterans across Utah. Those in need of assistance recovering military records, medals, or navigating federal programs can contact Senator Lee’s office for help.
To learn more about Honor Flight Utah and how to get involved, visit the nonprofit’s website .
