Spc. Dennis Jensen - Funeral

As reported by KSFY:

"Gov. Dennis Daugaard asks that all flags in the state be flown at half-staff on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, from 8 a.m. until sunset, in honor of National Guard Specialist Dennis G. Jensen of Sioux Falls.
 Jensen, formerly of Vermillion, died in a noncombat accident Aug. 16 in Afghanistan while working on a bridge project.
"This was a tragic accident, and South Dakota has once again lost one of its heroes," Gov. Daugaard said. "I offer my sincere condolences to Specialist Jensen's family and friends."
 The funeral service for Jensen, 21, will be held Thursday at the United Church of Christ, 218 W. 5^th Street in Yankton, at 10 a.m. CDT.  Burial, with full military honors, will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis."

Spc. Dennis Jensen

We are sad to learn that Spc. Dennis Jensen of the 200th Engineering Company of the South Dakota National Guard has died in Afghanistan as the result of an accident on a bridging mission.  Our prayers go out to his family.

The Argus Leader provides details.

KSFY has more information.

Community Sewing Days

Thrivent Financial For Lutherans Check Presentation

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans check presentation in support of the work done by volunteers with the 200th Camo Quilt Project.

200th EN CO Parade and Convoy

A piece of us goes with them

Four ordinary buses cruising on South Dakota Interstate 90.

Four ordinary buses shuttling 187 of our soldiers, and pieces of us, to Ft. McCoy, WI for pre-deployment training.

200th EN CO Community Appreciation Ceremony

Words cannot describe it, they just cannot. 

Roll was called near the end of the program. As the soldier's name was called, that soldier rose, walked up on stage, shook hands with the dignitaries and then exited the stage to receive a camouflage Bible and a bag of goodies.  The last name to be called was Jared Roe, the young soldier who passed away earlier in the week. 

"Jared Roe," called the sargeant.  "Jared Roe," he called again. "Jared Roe," he called a third time.

In unison, the unit stood up and responded in one voice, "PRESENT."  And then we all started to cry.