Wayne Keim from Kansas City, Missouri, served three tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded 5 medals for his heroic actions in combat.For some unknown reason he was never presented with those medals. He spoke so rarely of his time in Vietnam that his wife of 60 years never knew that he had won medals.
KMBC-TV reports that Dee Clark spotted Wayne while they were both eating at the Golden Coral. Dee says when she sees military hats she likes to thank the Vets for their service and Wayne was rocking his Vietnam vet hat that day. This led to an emotional conversation that led to a friendship. When Dee learned about the medals that Wayne never got, she took it upon herself to see that he was finally recognized.
Dee was able to get Wayne’s military records, put in the paperwork, and with the help of U.S. Senator Jerry Moran ensure that Wayne was finally recognized for his service. Wayne says receiving the medals after all these years has given him a sense of closure that only a fellow veteran could truly understand. He now encourages everyone to show appreciation to Vietnam vets, believing that a simple "thanks for your service" can make a big difference, as it has for him.