Army Spc. Dennis G. Jensen

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Dennis G. Jensen, 21, of Vermillion, S.D.

Spc. Jensen was assigned to 153rd Engineer Battalion, 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Sioux Falls, S.D.; died Aug. 16, 2011 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, from a non-combat incident.

Spc Jensen was working with bridge materials when he was hit by two steel bridge decking panels that fell from a forklift when a strap securing them to the machine had broken. He was taken to Bastion Airfield Hospital where he died. Officials said Jensen was wearing all appropriate safety gear at the time.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Specialist Dennis Jensen,” Gov. Dennis Daugaard said in a statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends for their loss, and we offer our gratitude for Specialist Jensen’s service to our state and nation.”

Spc Jensen, born in Omaha, Neb., grew up in southeast South Dakota from the age of 2. He graduated from Vermillion High School.

Friends say Dennis always had a smile on his face. He loved cars, music, computers, video games, history, being a soldier and hunting with his Dad.

Spc Jensen served as a combat engineer with the 211th Engineer Company of Madison and De Smet. He volunteered to deploy with the 200th Engineer Company out of Pierre, which deployed in May for a one-year mission to maintain, repair and replace military bridges throughout Afghanistan. This was his first deployment.

Spc Jensen was laid to rest August 25 at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Spc Jensen is survived by his mother and stepfather, Christine and William; father, Glenn; and sister Melissa.

Army Spc. Dennis G. Jensen was killed in a non-combat related incident on 8/16/11.