Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Richard DeGooyer said when he returned home from serving in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam war, he was told not to wear his uniform, only Levi's.
He was wearing jeans again Friday but able to joke about it with Utah Sen. Mitt Romney as they met in the Federal Building downtown. "We're both wearing Levi's," they laughed.
DeGooyer and his family contacted Romney's office recently, hoping for any help to get replacement medals for those he lost 20 years ago.
"That is beautiful, thank you, sir," said DeGooyer.
"Congratulations," responded Romney, as he gave him the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon & Numeral 2, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device (1960), Expert Badge & Auto Rifle Bar, and the Sharpshooter Badge & Rifle Bar.
Richard DeGooyer earned a lot of medals in Vietnam for his service. He was a good shot, too, in the Army. "I still am," he told @SenatorRomney as the senator presented him with his replacement medals. pic.twitter.com/wibcGT4nsJ
— Mary Richards (@kslmrichards) June 18, 2021
"Very honored, very honored to meet the senator, and it's an honor for all the veterans," said DeGooyer to KSL afterward. He said he is grateful for the help and recognition he has been getting from the government and VA also.
Romney said it was his privilege to do the presentation.
"I'm happy we were able to get replacement medals for him to acknowledge his service to our country," said Romney. "People like myself have a special place in our hearts for those who served in Vietnam. They did not get the respect they deserved."
Romney had spent the morning meeting with recent Utah high school graduates on their way to the different service academies in the different branches of the military. They stayed in the room to watch the presentation as well and applaud DeGooyer.
Each year, I have the honor of nominating some of Utah's best and brightest students to our nation's various service academies. This morning, I was able to meet with some of these students and wish them well before they head off to serve. I know they'll represent our state well! pic.twitter.com/bZbbDzXmW8
— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) June 18, 2021
The 74-year-old vet said he was grateful to see the young people who would be the next generation to serve the country.
