WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former long-time Bangor resident and Bronze Star-decorated Vietnam veteran Wayne Hanson will attend President Obama’s 2014 State of the Union address on Tuesday night as the guest of U.S. Senator Angus King. Senator King first met Wayne last December during a Maine State Society and Wreaths Across America event they both attended to lay a wreath in front of the U.S. Capitol.

Hanson, who grew up in Bangor and graduated from the University of Maine in 1967, served in the U.S. Army, Military Police Corps from 1967-1971, attaining the rank of Captain with assignments in Alaska, Alabama, and Vietnam. Following the war, he was awarded two Bronze Stars for meritorious achievement and service in connection with military ground operations against a hostile force.

Hanson now lives in Virginia with his wife and is an active member and past President of the Maine State Society in Washington, D.C., which is an organization dedicated to serving as a “home away from home” for Mainers who live in the greater Washington metro area. Additionally, he is Chairman of the Board of Directors for Wreaths Across America and has played an instrumental role over the years in expanding its noble mission nation-wide. He is also responsible for organizing two annual trips to Gettysburg National Military Park, where he leads a group of other Maine volunteers in cleaning the grounds of the 17th Maine Infantry at the Wheatfield and the Stevens' Battery, 5th Maine Artillery site near Culp's Hill.

“It was a privilege last year to meet Wayne when we gathered to lay a Maine-made wreath at the foot of the U.S. Capitol,” Senator King said. “Like so many other great Mainers, Wayne has dedicated his life to serving his country and his beloved home state, and I am honored that he will attend the State of the Union as my guest.”

“It is truly a pleasure and honor for me attend this event as Senator King's guest and represent the fine people of Maine,” said Wayne Hanson. “I am proud to be called a ‘Mainiac’.”

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