Wayne Thomas
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
2ndHighest Military Rank
SPCTomb Dates
Jun 1957 - May 1958Society Membership
MemberHome City / State
Decorah, IACurrent City / State
Decorah, IAObituary
Wayne Lyle Thomas was born February 11, 1938 in LaCrosse WI to Lyle and Evelyn (Pilgrim) Lenth. He was educated in the Decorah school system, and went on to serve in the U. S. Army from 1956 – 1958 as a Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Virginia. He was married to Sandra Peters on May 30, 1965, and later divorced. To this union, one son was born, Mark Thomas. Wayne spent the majority of his banking career at Decorah Bank & Trust Company, retiring in 2000, after working there thirty-seven years. He enjoyed his years of retirement by fishing and mushroom hunting.
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Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
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The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
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Did you know?
How often are the Guards changed?
The Guard is changed every thirty minutes during the summer (April 1 to Sep 30) and every hour during the winter (Oct 1 to Mar 31). During the hours the cemetery is closed, the guard is changed every 2 hours. The Tomb is guarded, and has been guarded, every minute of every day since 1937.
