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Lance corporal Stephen Sensing in Fallujah, November 2005. USMC photo.
As I have written before, my eldest son, Stephen, is a US Marine who has been serving in Iraq since September. Today is his 20th birthday.
If you have a mind to, please leave a comment of birthday wishes and I will copy them to send to him via Motomail.
His unit deployed from their base camp in Fallujah on operations about the 20th of December or so and will remain in the field for several weeks. He got to call us on New Years Day on a satellite phone. I asked him where he was while he talked to us. “Manning the .50-caliber machine gun in the turret,” he answered.
His Christmas day was spent taking part in raids on al Qaeda strongpoints. They captured a number of prisoners, including some highly-sought al Qaeda senior leaders. Stephen said they carried some of them to the collection point in the back of his track while he covered them with a shotgun.
Twenty years . . . it seems like an eyeblink of time. Every time I start to get worried about him in combat in Iraq - and those moments do come, believe me - I find that the pride and gratitude I have for him outweighs my worry.
Semper fi, son, and thank you for your service.
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January 10th, 2006 at 7:13 am
Happy Birthday Stephen.
Hope you have many,many more and that the next one is spent stateside with your family.
Don and Marge
January 10th, 2006 at 7:24 am
Happy Birthday to Lance Corporal Stephen Sensing
Lance corporal Stephen Sensing in Fallujah, November 2005. USMC photo. My eldest son, Stephen, is a US Marine who has been serving in Iraq since September. Today is his 20th birthday. If you have…
January 10th, 2006 at 7:33 am
Dearest Stephen,
Thank you for a wonderful twenty years! It doesn’t seem that long ago when you waited for the school bus with Eliz Gardiner.
I am so very proud of the the fine man you are. You are doing an outstanding job for our country. This is one birthday you will always remember.
Take care and be safe.
All my love,
Mom
VPMM of you
January 10th, 2006 at 7:44 am
Happy Birthday to a young hero. Thank you for the work you’re doing. We know that freedom isn’t free and we’re grateful that we have courageous Americans like you willing to pay the price. My husband was 23 years in the Navy and we are proud of his service as I know your family is of yours. God bless you, Stephen.
January 10th, 2006 at 7:58 am
Lance corporal Stephen Sensing, I salute you on the happy occasion of your birthday. Congratulations, and many, many thanks for your service and the many personal sacrifices it entails.
Here’s hoping for many satisfying years to your life, and the wish that your twenty-first may be spent Stateside with your loved ones.
January 10th, 2006 at 8:11 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! This will truly be one you will never forget. I hope the next one is spent at home.
Stay safe,
Proud Mom of 3 Veterans
January 10th, 2006 at 8:25 am
Happy Birthday, Stephen. Thanks for serving.
January 10th, 2006 at 8:44 am
Happy Birthday, LCpl Sensing, and thanks for your service. You and all your fellow Marines, soldiers and sailors are in our prayers. Best wishes for many, many more.
January 10th, 2006 at 8:57 am
Happy Birthday and I hope you have many more. Thank you Stephen.
My thoughts are with your family and with all of the families with troops around the world. Come hope safe and sound.
Al
January 10th, 2006 at 9:09 am
Stephen,
Happy birthday!! The work you are doing is a great and noble thing one which will steer the world towards a better place. Our family prays each night for the soldiers in Iraq. So, you will get a special mention tonight.
God Speed
Bill, Julia, Kensley and Connor.
January 10th, 2006 at 9:44 am
Thank you for your service, and I hope you have as good a birthday as possible, to be topped with a happy homecoming in the future! Keep up the good work.
January 10th, 2006 at 9:48 am
Lance Corporal Sensing,
Congratulations on your 20th birthday. My deepest appreciation for your service to us all. As the late Ronald Reagan said, being a Marine means you never have to wonder if you made a difference! May God keep you and your compatriots safe, and return you to your family.
Alan Biddle
Franklin, TN
January 10th, 2006 at 9:50 am
Happy Birthday!!
Congratulations and best wishes for a healthy and happy day and year.
Thank you for your service!
Christi Turner
Westminster, CA
January 10th, 2006 at 10:02 am
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Stephen. I hope you - and the rest of our Marines - know how proud we are of the work you are doing and how much we care for you all.
And here’s to the 21st at home with your family.
MaryAnn
January 10th, 2006 at 10:02 am
From someone in Toronto, a very happy birthday to you and all the best to you and your fellow Marines.
January 10th, 2006 at 10:26 am
Stephen,
Happy Birthday! Thank you so much for your service to our country and in the name of Freedom. Your efforts pave the way for a brighter future for all.
- Glenn C
January 10th, 2006 at 10:42 am
Dear Stephen,
Happy 20th birthday. I believe that your service in the Marine Corps is a life-defining moment. Although you have just left your teens, you became a man the day you took the oath to protect and defend the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic. You have internalized the Corps’ most important lessons: courage, honor, loyalty. These qualities will be with you always, whether in uniform or out.
I served in the Navy; your father in the Army, yet I believe I can safely say that the Marines hold a special place in the hearts of all veterans, and I think I can say that we’re extremely proud of you and your fellow Marines.
God bless, and Semper fi!
January 10th, 2006 at 10:46 am
Happy Birthday, and thank you for keeping us free.
January 10th, 2006 at 11:18 am
Happy Birthday
January 10th, 2006 at 11:26 am
May you find the happiest birthday of your life by seeing happiness in the eyes of the Iraqi people.
I am humbled by those such as you, making the sacrifices needed for the rest of us to enjoy our lives and freedoms. But I also realize that we will never know the joys that come from your experience there - the sure knowledge that you are making a powerful and positive difference in the world.
(From a fellow Tennessean in Nashville)
January 10th, 2006 at 12:45 pm
Happy Birthday! And thank you for keeping us safe at home in the U.S.A.
God Bless you,
January 10th, 2006 at 12:55 pm
Happy birthday to you! Thank you so much for the sacrifice you make to protect our freedom. God bless you and please know you are in my prayers.
Michael H
January 10th, 2006 at 12:56 pm
Happy Birthday Lance Corporal.
One of the things that struck me during my hitch (all those years ago) was the fact that my Marines were men, while so many of the same ages were still boys back in CONUS.
Chesty had it right: “…just so long as they’re the Marine Breed”.
Thanks for keeping the faith. Stand tall.
January 10th, 2006 at 1:12 pm
LC Sensing,
Thank you for your service. You are an inspiration to me.
Oh yeah, Happy 20th Birthday!
Mark Rutledge
January 10th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
Happy birthday Marine. It seems like only yesterday I spent my 22nd on a Marine helo flying into Khe Sahn, RVN.
Someday, if you send a birthday greeting to a young Marine serving in some far off place, pass on a “Semper Fi” for me too!
Jim Freemon
January 10th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
Profound thanks for your service and God bless you, young Sensing! You might not remember me but I called you just after you visited March AFB in California.
You are in my prayers always.
Whenever the going gets tough, remember this: You are fighting and attempting to destroy evil. No man can have a higher calling than that.
January 10th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Happy Birthday Stephen!
I appreciate the service of you and your mates and wish you all the best. And don’t pay much attention to the most of the b.s. in the press, you have major support here at home.
Owen Hobson
January 10th, 2006 at 3:44 pm
Happy Twentieth! May God protect you—comfort and strengthen you for the task at hand, and bring you safely home to your family for your 21st birthday.
January 10th, 2006 at 3:51 pm
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday, Corporal Sensing…
Haaaapy birthdaaay to yooooou!
Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, I’ll be here all week!
January 10th, 2006 at 4:28 pm
Happy Birthday 2U
Happy Birthday 2U
Happy Birthday dear Lance Cpl Stephen Sensing!
Happy Birthday 2UUUUUUUUUU!
And many more!
Make a wish there, Marine!
(Thank you for your service. Stay safe. Stay strong. Know that there are millions of Americans praying for you every day.)
All my best - K
January 10th, 2006 at 5:22 pm
Happy Birthday Lance Corporal
Many thanks for your service. You make us proud. al Qaeda in Iraq is doomed with fine men like you and your fellow Marines on the hunt.
Thanks again for helping us sleep well at night.
God Bless and keep you.
Jim Hynes
January 10th, 2006 at 5:29 pm
Dear Stephen,
Happy birthday to an exceptional man.
You and your fellow warriors exemplify all that is good and great in this miraculous country of ours. Please accept this Oregon mom’s deep and sincere gratitude for all that you are doing to keep my family safe and free.
If you should ever come to the Northwest, you would be as welcome in our home as our own two sons.
Until then, sending you bunches of heartfelt hugs and all good wishes.
January 10th, 2006 at 5:43 pm
Stephen, Your dad and I were in a meeting together today. He mentioned that today is the big 20 and we thouoght of you and offered prayers to the Lord for you.
Hope the day is great! We miss you here in middle Tennessee. I lifted you to The United Methodist Communications Committee as well today in another meeting.
Just want you to know, we think the world of your dad and mom too.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeanne and Bill Freeman
January 10th, 2006 at 5:48 pm
Lance Corporal Sensing,
Happy 20th birthday! We average citizens support the war in Iraq and are extremely appreciative, and proud, of the efforts of our soldiers in the war zone. You guys rule! America is behind you, despite the spin of the mainstream media and Hollywood.
My Dad, a veteran of WWII, will celebrate his 80th birthday on 1/12/2006 … I hope you celebrate yours on 1/10/2066!
God Bless,
Peter Sterne, Sr.
January 10th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Thanks for being there making it easier for me and my family.
Semper Fi - Happy Birthday from a retired Marine Corps Captain.
January 10th, 2006 at 7:09 pm
Thanks for serving your country. Men like you are the best of this nation!
January 10th, 2006 at 7:26 pm
Happy Bithday,
Lance Corporal Sensing. Reading your fathers blog daily and following your training and deployment made us feel as if we knew you.
We also would like to thank you and all the men for the job you are doing.
We pray for all of you and wish for your safe return.
January 10th, 2006 at 7:41 pm
I left the USNA in 1976 to transfer to Stanford — but I really enjoyed my week in Quantico “playing marine.”
Happy Birthday. I hope you remain safe — I thank you for helping to keep all of the “Democratic World” safe.
From Slovakia, thru LA, and all of the USA.
January 10th, 2006 at 8:17 pm
Happy Birthday and thanks for your service to this country!
January 10th, 2006 at 9:15 pm
Happy Birthday Marine! Many more…
January 10th, 2006 at 9:37 pm
Happy birthday Stephen and thank you for your service to our country and freedom around the world. Thank heavens for people like you. Your father, your family and you are the bedrock this nation was was founded on.
January 10th, 2006 at 10:35 pm
Happy Birthday and God bless. Thank you…
Dorothy Moul, proud mom of two United States Marines and their five siblings
January 10th, 2006 at 10:55 pm
Dear Stephen,
It was just a short while ago you were under our feet with all the other kids at our Fellowship Families Home Group in Springfield, VA. Now you’re 20 years old - Wow! Your folks are too young to have a son so old!!!
Since you left for duty in Iraq, I’ve grown to feel as though you were part of my family, too. I’ve worried and prayed over you, shared your story with friends and family, and like your dear parents and family, I’m immensely proud of you!
Although birthday celebrations in a war zone may be lacking, the memories you are making will last your lifetime. Semper Fi, Stephen, and God Bless You!
January 11th, 2006 at 12:09 am
Happy Birthday and many more. Thank you for your service to this country and for me and my family. You and your fellow servicemen are in my thoughts and prayers. Best wishes until you return safely home and celebrate with your family.
Pat Reynolds Kentucky
January 11th, 2006 at 2:14 am
My prayers are with you…when terrible things happen, remember that others have gone thru terrible things, and found comfort in knowing the Lord is at their side…
January 11th, 2006 at 3:30 am
happy birthday from iran
January 11th, 2006 at 6:19 am
Happy Birthday, Stephen. And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, too.
I come by a couple of times a week to see what your father has to say on this and that and this morning when I clicked the link I was thinking it was about time we got an update on you and here it is! You may think it odd that a bunch of strangers care so much about how you’re doing but that’s thanks to the Internet and your Dad’s obvious (and deserved) pride in you. To which I add my admiration.
January 11th, 2006 at 6:31 am
Happy Birthday Marine from an old, hard Corps Mustang Marine. I served under Chesty and I know he would have been just as proud of you as I am. Chesty once said “old Corps, new Corps…doesn’t matter as long as it’s Marine Corps.” We love you guys. Take care brother. Roy
January 11th, 2006 at 9:42 am
Lance Corporal Stephen Sensing,
A Happy Birthday to you. Having served in the Army for twenty years, I have looked back and said to myself “I was there, I helped those less fortunate to achieve freedom”.
You too shall have the honor of looking back and saying the same thing.
It is an honor shared by the few who cared to defend a task well worth the defense.
God bless you on your birthday and may God defend and protect you and all the men and women throughout the world who are defending the right to freedom
January 11th, 2006 at 10:28 am
Happy Birthday Stephen! My nephew is a marine who should be arriving in Iraq in the next month or so. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for those of us at home. Stay safe and make the most of each day. Life is an adventure to be savored.
January 11th, 2006 at 10:36 am
Happy Birthday, Stephen, from the Slater family in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is also my younger sister’s birthday, and at dinner last night we offered up a toast to you as well as her. Good luck and stay safe,
from Scott, Ellen, Felicity and Gordon
January 11th, 2006 at 11:54 am
Happy Birthday Brother!!!! Thank you for your service. My family and I wish you God Speed and a safe return to your love ones when your work is finished. Your task is a noble one and despite what you may hear from the press, your country is proud of you all and supportive of your efforts. Semper Fi, Saepe Expertus, Fratris um Sangri e Ignatio. Matt Bussard, Sgt, USMC 90-98
January 11th, 2006 at 12:21 pm
Happy Birthday from Michigan, Steve. We love and appreciate what you’re doing. I hold fellows like you up to my son and daughter s examples of the kind of adults I hope they will be.
Peter, Sandy, Eva and Ian Schneider.
January 11th, 2006 at 12:53 pm
From the foothills of the Ozarks, Happy Birthday to Stephen Sensing! All I want to know is which was tougher, training to be a Marine or holding your own with a father known to have an opinion or two? Just kidding. I know that you have a great relationship with your Dad. You are in my prayers. I turned 20 in 1975. Do you know anyone else who is that old?
January 11th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Happy Birthday! May God bless you and keep you under his protection wherever you are. Thank you for all you are doing for the cause of freedom.
January 11th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
Stephen,
Happy Birthday and THANK YOU for your service to our country.
-Sean.
January 11th, 2006 at 7:56 pm
Stephen:
Congratulations on your 20th birthday. I would like to thank you and your fellow Marines for the work you are doing in Iraq. And if a little appreciation spills over to the Army, you will not begrudge it to them. I try to thank personally the military personnel I meet, whether current or retired. God bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Henry IX
January 11th, 2006 at 10:37 pm
Happy Birthday from California! Thank you and God Bless. We are truly blessed that men such as you protect and defend our freedom. You are truly America’s heroes!
All the best,
Zeke
January 12th, 2006 at 12:09 am
happy birthday stephen, my own brother celebrated 30 somewhere north of baghdad this past summer. i hope you see the same good luck and make it home safely.
God Bless you all in the armed services & thank you for your service to us
shalom
-gav
January 12th, 2006 at 5:59 am
Dear Stephen: Happy Birthday and thank you for your protection in Iraq. From a grateful Canadian waiting for her government to acknowledge your contribution. Gail
January 12th, 2006 at 8:59 am
Happy Birthday Stephen. We are so very proud of you. As I write this, MY son, Sgt. Mark Keel, is saying his goodbyes to his wife and three children as he deploys for the second time to Iraq from Germany. Thank you for serving your country and for keeping us free. Miss Nancy, Northwest Tennessee
January 12th, 2006 at 9:20 pm
TO: Donald Sensing
RE: Something….
…about the eyes, in this photo. The look is a tad different from that which we saw in an photo of the lad, only a few months ago.
It shows ‘promise’….I like it.
Keep up the good work, buckos.
Regards,
Chuck(le)
January 13th, 2006 at 4:49 am
$8M for USMC Uniforms
LCPL Sensing in MARPAT(click for happy birthday) In a recent article covering Hyperstealth Biotechnology’s fractal camouflage patterns for vehicles, aircraft, and buildings, DID noted the Marine Corps’ new MARPAT digital camouflage uniforms, which ar…
January 13th, 2006 at 11:38 am
Happy 20th Birthday Stephen! I’m sure this one will be one that you and your family never forgets! Thank you so much for your unslefish service to our country…and please know that there are so many people praying for your safety, as well as the safety of all of our troops! Hang in there, be safe, and come home soon!
Debbie
January 13th, 2006 at 12:57 pm
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day as much as possible. Thank you for serving your country, defending your country, and continuing to guarantee all Americans the right to enjoy life, freedom, and choice. I served 20 years on active duty to ensure all Americans may enjoy things, or dislike them, and be able to voice their opinions without fear for their life. Keep doing as good a job as may be possible, but ‘keep your butt down’. Hope you are able to enjoy a homecoming soon. Again, thanks for being there, doing your duty, helping us and the rest of the world. Eventually, I hope, all countries will change to a more democratic-type government. Again, Happy Birthday!
January 13th, 2006 at 4:07 pm
Happy Birthday Devil Dog! My sister, Karen Stevenson passed this on to me and I had to jump at the chance to wish you a very happy birthday. Please know that we are thinking of you and your brother-in-arms and wish you the very best always.
OOH RAH!
Claudia Acosta
Sr. Vice Commandant
Marine Corps League
Hubert J. Faltyn Detachment
Salem, Oregon
January 13th, 2006 at 5:35 pm
TO: Defense Industry Daily
RE: Hey!
“LCPL Sensing in MARPAT In a recent article covering Hyperstealth Biotechnology’s fractal camouflage patterns for vehicles, aircraft, and buildings, DID noted the Marine Corps’ new MARPAT digital camouflage uniforms, which ar…” — Defense Industry Daily
Can I get that in an easy-to-apply stick?
Regards,
Chuck(le)
January 14th, 2006 at 1:33 pm
Thank you, Stephen, for serving our country, even on your birthday. Instead of enjoying a pizza, steak or birthday cake with your family, you are protecting our country. I am a mom and make great cakes and pies- your dad has the e-mail address. Come to Dayton, Ohio and you can collect your choice when you safely return. Prayers are with you and ALL your fellow soldiers. We support YOU and your brave companions who are in one of the toughest places in the world right now. Happy Birthday.
January 15th, 2006 at 10:24 pm
With two daughters following my foot path in the Military, one AF, the other Army.I stand at Attention and salute you, along with EVERY REAL American. Take care of yourself, young fellow, come back to your parents and community. You have guaranteed yourself a place in all of our hearts and our graditude.
Should you ever make it “out” west, Like to Idaho, let us know……………
You’ve got a very thankful family waiting to give you ANOTHER “welcome” home
Swede Nelson
[email protected]
ps. Just so happy to send this message I forgot! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Swede & Family
January 16th, 2006 at 8:16 pm
Pentagon Thinks US Soldiers Need Adult Super-Vision
Seeing the difference(click to view full) New firm PixelOptics of Roanoke, VA has announced that it will receive $3.5 million from the Defense Department to develop “SuperVision,” a technology that may give military men and women vision better than 2…
January 17th, 2006 at 2:16 am
Pentagon Thinks US Soldiers Need Adult Super-Vision
USMC LCPL Sensing New firm PixelOptics of Roanoke, VA has announced that it will receive $3.5 million from the Defense Department to develop “SuperVision,” a technology that may improve the vision of US soldiers beyond…
January 18th, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Happy Birthday, Marine…..thank you for your SERVICE, we SUPPORT you…..take care, and return home safely for your 21st…..God Bless..
OohRah!!!
Semper Fi
/Bill.
USMC Vietnam ‘66-’67
April 3rd, 2006 at 9:05 pm
Happy belated Birthday Marine!! Thank you for your service. Send a heart-felt “Atta-Boy!!” to your comrades and officers from a former Army soldier from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault! Keep up the great work!
November 22nd, 2006 at 2:40 pm
Well Happy B Day my friend….I spent my 33rd B-Day in Afghanistan, so I know how it feels to be overseas and not have your loved ones around to wish you a Happy B-Day. Hope things are good over there and keep your chin up, and your vigilance.
Mcpl Lee Lapointe
Canadian Signals Operator. (Rad Op)
Cheers M8