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Utah Senate honors Korean War veterans, recognizes volunteers who located recipients
Summary
The Utah Senate unanimously passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 to honor efforts by volunteers and the state to locate and recognize Utah Korean War veterans with the Republic of Korea's Ambassador for Peace medal; retired Marines John Cole and Jay Wells were introduced on the floor.
The Utah Senate on the floor passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 on a voice and roll call vote to honor individuals who have helped Utah Korean War veterans receive the Republic of Korea's Ambassador for Peace medal.
The resolution recounts that outreach beginning in 2012 by retired Marine Sgt. John Cole and veteran Jay Wells helped identify Utah combat veterans of the Korean War and arrange medal ceremonies. "Cole worked with Jay Wells ... to brainstorm what to do next," the resolution text says, noting the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs assisted with ceremonies. Senator Iwamoto introduced Cole and Wells and told senators the ceremonies had been "moving" and meaningful for attendees.
Sponsor and members emphasized gratitude for veterans' service and the volunteers' work locating recipients and coordinating ceremonies with the Republic of Korea. The Senate voted to suspend the rules, considered SCR 7 on final passage and, after a roll call, the resolution "having received 26 yay votes, 0 nay votes, and 3 being absent, passes" and will be transmitted to the House for consideration.
The resolution notes the medals are paid for by the South Korean government and that to be eligible veterans must have served in combat between June 25, 1950, and July 27, 1953. The Senate's action recognizes the volunteers' ongoing effort to find and honor remaining Utah veterans and expresses the body's gratitude for their service.
