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The future’s fortunes are opaque; we see now as through a glass darkly, and so live each day with fear, faith and hope
Yesterday my eldest son, Lance Cpl. Stephen Sensing, deployed with his unit to Iraq. His mother, brother, sister and I traveled to Camp Lejeune, NC, to see him off. Cathy’s dad, from Durham, went with us also.
He was released Monday at 10 a.m. until noon Tuesday, so we had a very good visit with him. Then he and his unit drew weapons and gathered their sea bags at the barracks to await transportation. The time of departure slipped a couple of times, but not by much. They shipped out to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC, on commercial buses about 30 minutes later than the originally scheduled time.
At MCAS CP they flew by chartered commercial air to Kuwait; I don’t know the route. Just as I was typing the last paragraph, Stephen called from Kuwait to report he arrived fine and there were no problems. He couldn’t talk but a moment, so that’s all the news we got, but it was wonderful to hear his voice and know all was well. He did say he doesn’t know just when they’ll move into Iraq. He does know where they will go, but I’m not going to include that here.
The standard-issue M16A4 rifle. It’s heavier and more rugged than the M16A1 I carried as a young artillery officer. Seeing this picture I am reminded somehow that when our kids were small, I never let them play with toy guns even though I taught them how to shoot the real things. Guns are not playthings but are deadly serious. There’s no doubt that Stephen knows that now.
They wear their name tapes everywhere - back of their covers, above their right breast pocket, above their right rear trouser pocket, on the sling of their rifles, on their seabags and day packs. They lace a dogtag into a bootlace, standard practice at least since World War II. The other two remain around their necks.
There were many “last” embraces, but there was one that you make count and you give it before you know it’s time to watch him run to final roll call. It’s so hard to let go; you want to make time stand still. You barely breathe and try to feel his heartbeat in your own breast because his heart will always beat in yours.
Steve’s grandfather, Col. (ret.) George D. Stephens, USA, is a World War II veteran who made eight combat amphibious assaults in the Pacific. Since those days he’s always had great respect for US Marines.
Final formation. Frederick the Great observed, “Ninety percent of a soldier’s time is spent waiting for something to happen.” So also with Marines! But the wait wasn’t long.
The battalion commander, Lt. Col. Michael L. Kuhn, came by to talk to the company and wish them well. He also read a prayer by the chaplain - why the chaplain didn’t come himself I don’t know (for all I know the battalion chaplain might already be deployed with another element, so I judge not harshly). Lt. Col. Kuhn’s talk was brief, to the point and professional - these Marines need no pumping up. Many of them have fought in Iraq before; in fact, every one of the NCOs in Stephen’s chain of command I met were already combat veterans, which reassured me greatly.
Lt. Col. Kuhn kindly dropped by our little family group after his short talk to the troops. Several families came to see their Marine off and I am pretty sure that the battalion commander spoke to every one. We had a good conversation for quite awhile. I told him what I had told my son the night before, that I was deeply envious of my son and his fellow Marines. Some people reach the end of their lives still wondering whether they ever made a positive difference in their country or the world. Marines don’t have that problem, and neither, of course, do soldiers, sailors, airmen or Coast Guardsmen.
My son and his fellows are producers of freedom, not mere consumers of it. And those who only consumed freedom will one night lie in their beds and think themselves accursed that they didn’t serve with them.
Comments policy
An online news and commentary magazine concentrating on foreign policy, military affairs and religious matters.
Editor:
Donald Sensing
Columnists:
John Krenson
Daniel Jackson
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September 14th, 2005 at 6:30 pm
[…] oing to include that here. Below are some thumbnails of some other photos. I have posted full-size versions on a separate page, with some words. . . . . […]
September 14th, 2005 at 7:05 pm
GODSPEED, LANCE CPL. SENSING
Blogger Donald Sensing sees his son, Stephen, off to war….
September 14th, 2005 at 7:15 pm
God speed and God bless, thank you young Sensing.
September 14th, 2005 at 7:18 pm
Dear Sir,
Words leave me, however I must thank you and your family for the unselfish support you have given our nation called the United States of America over the past 65 years.
God Bless and God Speed to your family and especially LCpl Sensing.
Michael S. Clarkson
MSgt, USAFR Retired
(1973-2003)
September 14th, 2005 at 7:31 pm
Please know that Stephen, and you, the family who worry about him, have my heartfelt thanks for the hardships you endure. God Bless him and bring him home safe and with mission accomplished.
September 14th, 2005 at 7:32 pm
God speed to your son. And you are spot-on — I hold my manhood pretty cheap by comparison.
September 14th, 2005 at 7:34 pm
Some chiken-hawks you and your son are. I wish your son (and your family) the best of luck.
Minh-Duc
SGT, 30th BCT
September 14th, 2005 at 7:37 pm
Thank god for men like Lance Cpl Sensing and the families that raise such heros. I unfortunately am only a consumer of freedom but I never pass a moment that I don’t remind myself and my family who we owe our freedom to.
Thank you.
September 14th, 2005 at 7:47 pm
May God watch over your son and all of our brave Marines and US soldiers. Your son is a hero to me. God bless you and your family, and I pray they will all come home soon. Please thank Steve for his service to America. We can all sleep safely because of men such as your son—you must be so proud of him.
September 14th, 2005 at 7:48 pm
Sir,
Oddly enough I am also a third generation military, through my father’s side. I remember being seen off at the airport by my family as I deployed (briefly!)for the Gulf AOR. I know you may feel worried and unsure, but know that there is another stong and dedicated family on the other side of that trip who look after each other, including your son.
I know one reason that I serve is in the hopes that someday, our nation will truly be at peace and our sons and daughters will not find it necessray to take up arms. Until that time, Semper Fi and God bless.
LT Jonathan Jett-Parmer, USNR
CO CDS 6 DET E
September 14th, 2005 at 7:49 pm
My daughter the Marine made two trips to the war. We could never get the goodbye thing right….never will. You description is very close. My heart stopped beating. She is back home now, a student at ETSU. I printed out Alvin York’s diary and asked her to read it. I think it is appropriate for any soldier from Tennessee. You can certainly google it up but I am pasting the ending below. The war stories of Sergeant York and Sergeant Crockett ended much the same way. I hope the same goes for your son. I will continue to live in hope, fear, and faith until the final day comes and I will remember your son in prayer until his return home.
Mike Crockett
“And then, when it was all over and I had taken off the old uniform of the all American Division and got back into the overalls. I got out with the hounds and the old muzzle loader; and I got to thinking and wondering what it was all about.
And I went back to the place on the place on the mountain where I prayed before the war, and received my assurance from God that I would go and come back. And I just stayed out there and thanked that same God who had taken me through the war.”
Alvin C. York
Pall Mall, Tennessee
September 14th, 2005 at 7:50 pm
God bless you and your son and keep him in His care.
September 14th, 2005 at 7:54 pm
Sir,
My prayers go with you and your family.
James W. Burke
LTC USAR (RET)
September 14th, 2005 at 7:54 pm
God Bless your family.
September 14th, 2005 at 7:59 pm
Good pictures of the boys.
But, crap. Aren’t they supposed to graduate from high school?
September 14th, 2005 at 8:04 pm
Godspeed and Semper Fi!….You,your son, and the rest of your family will be in my prayers.
How encouraging to know that our nation is blessed with young men and women that are willing to place themselves in harm’s way in order to protect those of us at home.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:04 pm
I’m speechless. God bless you, your son and the ethic that animates your family
Bob McManus
(former) MM2(SS)
USN
September 14th, 2005 at 8:07 pm
We’re all proud as hell to have people like the Sensings on our side.
Now those are Amaericans. Three generations of Americans, no less.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:10 pm
Dear Sir,
Thank you for sharing such a poignant and emotional event with the world. May God continue to bless your family and all of the families of the US Armed Services. Godspeed, LCpl Sensing!
September 14th, 2005 at 8:11 pm
Dear Mr. Sensing,
With tears in my eyes I read about your farewell to your oldest son. It makes my experience seem awfully small as I stay awake at night worrying about my son who has just entered Columbia Law School. His mother and I speak with him every third night or so, we send him care packages of ready-made gourmet meals, and we worry about him traveling on the subway as he returns from the airport after seeing his girlfriend 200 miles away. How silly it feels to fret about my son as I read your words. Yet, being a father, I cannot help but worry. He is my son. My only son. Please know how grateful the entire Shiba family is for the sacrifices that Lance Cpl. Sensing makes. For want of sons like yours, my son, Michael, would not have the opportunity to pursue his dream at Columbia. We will never take your son’s sacrfice for granted and we will always support his efforts.
Sincerely,
David Shiba
September 14th, 2005 at 8:12 pm
Good luck and God bless to your family, and Stephen.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:13 pm
You should be very proud of your son. I’m very proud of him, and I’ve never even laid eyes on him. America is lucky to have families like yours in it.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:15 pm
i was initially going to say “i hope he kicks some ass”, but i don’t have to hope. HE WILL!
-Marcin K****
Iraq ‘03
September 14th, 2005 at 8:23 pm
Thank you Stephen Sensing.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:23 pm
Thank God for American citizens like you,LANCE CPL. SENSING. Good luck and God Bless.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:25 pm
God bless.
Fairwinds and following seas.
Thank you.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:26 pm
Best to you and your son. I thank him for his service. From a retired Gunnery Sergeant with a daughter scheduled to graduate from Parris Island October 7th.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:31 pm
God bless. Onward, Christian soldier
September 14th, 2005 at 8:43 pm
Our prayers are with you. Our son, USMC Cpl Michael had one tour in Iraq and is about to extend his four year tour of duty so that he can go back with his company for another seven months.
I am sure that you know that there are many resources online to help you through this. There are several Yahoo groups, such as Marinemomsanddadsonline, as well as others. The last time that our son went over, there was a Yahoo group just for his float on the Bonhomme Richard.
We know that Stephen will be fine, but that does not make it any easier on those at home.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:43 pm
Dear Mr. Sensing:
Excellent pictures!
You are justifiably proud of your son. I certainly hope he will come back alive and in one piece.
However…. I do take exception to the following statement you made:
“My son and his fellows are producers of freedom, not mere consumers of it. And those who only consumed freedom will one night lie in their beds and think themselves accursed that they didn’t serve with them”.
I feel that statement is in-your-face, and may offend many people, who might not equate fighting to maintain our “freedom” with fighting Bush’s phoney, unjustified war in Iraq.
Let me assure you that I served my country too -as an infantry officer. So, I don’t qualify as being a “peacenik”, or someone afraid to serve in the military. Yet, I oppose this unnecessary war vehemently, and it pains me to see good young people, like your son, put in harm’s way for no good purpose. This war has the same effect on Muslims as you would have on hornets if you would poke their nest with a stick. This war does not “produce freedom”, or make our country safer. Instead, it will motivate Muslim terrorists to take the war to us, right here in our own country. And that won’t be hard for them to do, considering our porous borders,and our inadequate enforcement of immigration laws.
Yes, I “Support Our Troops” too -including your son. However, I also feel sorry for these poor kids (and that is what most still are), especially the ones who get killed our maimed, and I feel strongly that they should never have been sent to Iraq.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:45 pm
May God place a hedge of protection around your son while he is away serving our country - your family is in my prayers. GODSPEED, LANCE CPL. SENSING.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:47 pm
Thanks to your family or their service and sacrifice.
Thanks to you for posting these heartwarming photos and stories. I am honored and humbled to share a country with you.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:50 pm
It is always motivating to see our young Marines going off to war. They are serious and dedicated with a sense of duty that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. However I do remember when I farewelled my husband: I asked him why was he taking a bunch of 12 year olds to war with him? It’s hard to believe they are US Marines. But they are well trained and bear a love for their Country and their Corps that has to be experienced to be understood. I personally feel so blessed to be around these young men on a daily basis-they are everything that is good and right with this country.
I hope your son has a good tour. He’ll be home before you know it.
If a wife can be allowed to say it: Semper Fi.
And if you need anything, from one Marine Family to another: we take care of our own. So let me know.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:53 pm
I am one Canadian who truly appreciates what people like yourself, your son and you family mean to the rest of the world. People like you make this a better world. Thank you one and all.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:54 pm
Thank you LCpl Sensing-thank you for being of service. Patton said something akin to; don’t be sad about those that died. Be grateful that they lived. I am very grateful for your courage. As long as you have that there is not very much room for anything else to get in
May the Lord bless you and keep you-Mom, Dad-if you want to see how you show up in the world, look at your children. I will pray for your piece of mind and Sensing, I’ll pray you don’t get fleas!!! Mom send him lavendar oil — 10 drops in a cup of water, spray your clothes etc. You’ll smell good and the fleas will DTAY away. It’s also good to put dry in your pockets and the place where you store your boots etc. Ok-gotta go. I’m a Soldier’s Angel (check it out on the web, Mom) I going to drop a line to a nice youbg man in Iraq. Support our troops!
September 14th, 2005 at 8:55 pm
I adopted some soldiers in Afghanistan in order to think of myself as a little less cursed. It was my selfish act, but maybe it will help a little.
I always look at people’s hands in order to make an impression of the person. Your son’s hands are so young and unmarked. My sincere hopes, prayers, and heartfelt gratitude go with him.
September 14th, 2005 at 8:58 pm
The secret to happiness is freedom.
The secret to freedom is courage.
God bless your Steve, and all the brave young Marines.
To the Sensing family: Thank you for your service!
— Larry Jordan
September 14th, 2005 at 9:02 pm
Thank God for the LCpl. Sensings of this country who volunteer to put themselves in harm’s way to preserve our freedoms. It takes extraordinary courage and sense of patriotism to do so.
I like the way you state ‘… producers of freedom …’.
God Bless you and your family.
September 14th, 2005 at 9:06 pm
There are no words, but my prayers and admiration go with him and to his family! God bless!
September 14th, 2005 at 9:12 pm
Thank you to your son and to your family who raised a Marine. God bless you all and may you soon be back together and enjoying each other’s company.
September 14th, 2005 at 9:15 pm
To the Sensings:
My prayers go out to you and will continue to do so. Thank you for the pictures showing me a glimpse of your lives.
Stephen,
I’ll always remember you as the kid who broke his toes doing figure skating moves in the living room; the one who tried to teach me to monkey climb up the walls; the first person I “married.” Although it has been years, you still run though my head now and then and make me smile as I remember being silly little kids together. Things sure have changed! I pray for your safe return…God bless.
-Elizabeth Gardiner
September 14th, 2005 at 9:15 pm
Just thank you to your son.
September 14th, 2005 at 9:16 pm
I’m sure that you are as proud of your marine son as I am of my army son, now on an exercise preparing for his 2nd tour in Iraq.
I know it is a tense time having a child in harms way. I feel that our fighting men and women are all my kids. They are the best. Just let him know the love we feel for him and his buddies.
September 14th, 2005 at 9:24 pm
My own son just turned 15 a few days ago … your words and these photos have moved me deeply. May Courage, Purpose and Honor be Stephen’s constant companion now, and may God watch over and protect him. Thank you, eternally, from a proud and grateful citizen.
September 14th, 2005 at 9:27 pm
God’s speed, travelling mercies and good luck to your boy. Ours is back now - though some of his frienes are heading over for a second tour. Nothing harder than the goodbyes; nothing happier than the return.
Having survived Vietnam, I have to say that the whole thing is remarkably easier now, with internet, e-mail, and strong public support.
Are you signed up with:
[email protected] ?
They were extraordinarily good to Army Sgt Cannon while he was deployed from Ft, Polk, so I am fond of them.
One fun and funny thing we did when he was gone over Christmas was flood him with cookies from everyone we knew. Half of Bagdad was eating chocolate chip cookies he said, with some pleasure. All over the country people were investing the very little time it took to bake and send a batch of Christmas cookies that he could share.
September 14th, 2005 at 9:29 pm
Well, sir, you have certainly taught your fledgling how to fly. I’m sorry he’s off to war, but I’m happy we are receiving the services of such a fine person.
Thank you to Stephen, yourself, and the rest of your family for all your service and sacrifice on our behalf. Best wishes for a happy and healthy reunion down the line.
September 14th, 2005 at 9:29 pm
Godspeed. Thanks!
Semper Fi
September 14th, 2005 at 9:31 pm
Words are inadequate but they will have to do. Thank you for the great job you did in rearing your child(ren). And thanks to Stephen for being willing to serve. I have two nephews who are committed to joining the service within a few months, and I’m sure their parents are feeling both extreme pride and fear of what could happen. But they will have lots of support from family and friends, as I know your family will.
Robert Boester, thank you for your service. Perhaps you will learn to let go of your hatred and bitterness toward President Bush; and maybe someday you will have the integrity and honesty to recognize the good that he has set in motion in Iraq. Millions of Iraqis certainly appreciate it.
September 14th, 2005 at 9:36 pm
Semper Fi and Godspeed.
More troops in my prayers tonight…
September 14th, 2005 at 9:44 pm
My prayers go with your son. Yeah, that line “producers of freedom” is fantastic!
September 14th, 2005 at 9:51 pm
[…] to start this blog, extends this idea in a wonderful way in his latest post about his son joining the military and going to Iraq. He ends the post with: My son a […]
September 14th, 2005 at 9:56 pm
My Marine son returned last month from his Afghanistan deployment. What a great job our kids have done to make a huge difference in the lives of so many. They will retool and deploy to Iraq in March. I feel your pride in your son and fear of the unknown. These young men are some of the most special human beings that I have had the pleasure to know. Tonight, I will pray to God to bless your family and your special son.
Father of a Marine. (Go 3rd.Bat./3rd. Mar.!!!)
September 14th, 2005 at 10:00 pm
Unlike others,I will not say anything about Bush’s phony war here, since it’s not the time or place. I am against war as many ex soldiers are, but Mr. Bush is the President and bears many burdens right now.I hope he is doing the right thing for our country and the world. I wish health and safety to this young person, and I hope they all come home safe. There is a price paid whenever you take up arms against another human being, and I look forward to a day when we won’t have to pray for young people to be kept safe from other human beings. I know a little about that price after a tour in Korea and the Gulf War. I hope these young people come home still able to feel and love, and not with a rip in their soul where their humanity used to be.
September 14th, 2005 at 10:09 pm
We live in serious times and I thank God that we have a generation of young men and women who have the mettle to meet the challenges that we face. May God grant his blessing to each and everyone one of them.
Congratulations to you and your wife for raising such a son. May God watch over Stephen and bring home safely.
God speed and God bless,
September 14th, 2005 at 10:21 pm
G-d bless you all and keep you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Stephen and all his fellow Marines will be in my prayers every day. And your family.
September 14th, 2005 at 10:37 pm
God bless you, your son and your family.
September 14th, 2005 at 10:39 pm
God bless you all and that all the Marines come home safely.
Lt/Col Retired; Vietnam
September 14th, 2005 at 10:40 pm
May your son do good service. God Bless and preserve him.
September 14th, 2005 at 10:47 pm
Your son will be in my prayers tonight. Thank you for my freedom, Lance Cpt. Sensing.
September 14th, 2005 at 10:52 pm
Thank you for sharing this private moment with your son. There is much to say. So I said it here - http://edbrenegar.typepad.com/leading_questions/2005/09/the_heart_of_le.html
May your son serve well.
September 14th, 2005 at 10:53 pm
Bless your hearts.
September 14th, 2005 at 11:14 pm
God Bless. As a soldier, the Marines need to issue all the M-4 mods. Sights, aimpoints, laser, slings, will come in handy. He will be all right, he is fighting for a great cause.
September 14th, 2005 at 11:14 pm
Thank you for sharing these moments with us. Thank you Stephen & your fellow Marines for your service. My wife & I are humbled by your patriotism & sense of duty. God watch over you & your families.
September 14th, 2005 at 11:21 pm
I will be keeping your son in my prayers. My son has been deployed in Afghanistan since February (he just had his R&R time). I’ve found that the best thing to do is to stay busy. Busy leaves no time to dwell on bad things and has the advantage of making time pass faster. My best to you and your family - hang in there.
September 14th, 2005 at 11:32 pm
Godspeed Lance Cpt. Sensing. I am eternally grateful to you and to your loving family. I am proud to have been born to a nation which offers such courage seen in our soldiers and their families.
US Armed Forces: The True Freedom Fighters.
September 14th, 2005 at 11:47 pm
“Freedom is most expensive drug known; the only way to assure your own supply is to give it to others.”
Thank you, Sensings. May your son return safely and well. God bless and keep him, and you.
Semper Fi!
September 15th, 2005 at 12:02 am
Thank your for sharing and thank you to your son for protecting my family.
September 15th, 2005 at 12:08 am
Please accept a heart felt congratulations on raising such a great son and for the service of you and your father from SoCalPundit.com
September 15th, 2005 at 12:14 am
So if God brought some home
should the ones he let die in Iraq
curse his name ?
September 15th, 2005 at 12:33 am
I don’t know your son, but I know him very well, indeed. It has been my privilege, no, my honor, to have served with such good men. Godspeed, may calm seas and following winds be in your future, Marine.
GySgt, USMC, Retired
September 15th, 2005 at 12:48 am
Best wishes to you and your son.
September 15th, 2005 at 12:51 am
He’s going to be getting here at a rough time, but the weather’s decent and the food’s pretty good.
We’ll look forward to seeing our brothers in arms, and may God comfort your family and bring him home safely.
Believe me, he’ll start looking forward to coming home as much as you will.
I’ve been here nine months and have about four left to go, and it’s been a hell of a ride.
If I see a Lance Cpl. Sensing, I’ll say hi.
September 15th, 2005 at 1:11 am
God Speed and God Bless.
September 15th, 2005 at 1:15 am
Semper Fi do or die. Thank God every day that you are a Marine and get to serve the greatest country on Earth. What more could you ask for out of life? You’re America’s finest. Make us proud.
RRobison
CPL USMC Echo 2/1 1st Mardiv, Vietnam
September 15th, 2005 at 2:01 am
Godspeed Lance Corporal.
Thank you, and hurry home safe.
Semper Fi
September 15th, 2005 at 2:21 am
Dear Mr. SEnsing: My family and I want to thank you and your family for the gift of freedom, as an american born in Cuba we appreciate this country’s sacrifice and what it has given us. FREEDOM. Our own nephew served a year in Iraq. He is presently at Ft Braggs, NC. This boys and girls deserve all our love and prayers, and gratitude.
They are our defendors. God Bless this wonderful country, your family and your son. Thank you.
September 15th, 2005 at 2:33 am
God keep your son’s soul safe, but, more immediatley important, may the US Marines keep his ass safe. They shall. He needn’t fear rips in his soul, as he fights for the right and true. Semper Fi.
September 15th, 2005 at 5:21 am
awesome. just awesome. i’m not religious but i will put forth whatever mental energy i have into your son’s safety and well-being.
September 15th, 2005 at 6:35 am
Godspeed and Gung Ho. God will look after you, he did me.
an oldexJarhead
September 15th, 2005 at 7:02 am
Thank you for your service. Semper Fi.
September 15th, 2005 at 7:06 am
Godspeed…may the angels protect him and all our servicemen and women!
Semper Fi
Theresa
VPMM of Lcpl Mike
September 15th, 2005 at 7:22 am
Producers of freedom…
“My son and his fellows are producers of freedom, not mere consumers of it.” — Donald Sensing, on the departure of his Marine son to Iraq.
September 15th, 2005 at 7:35 am
My son is just today going to Ft. Meade for his physical to and entry into the Army, he also is a producer of freedom and my husband and myself could not be prouder of the man he is and the man he will become. I very much enjoyed feeling that from your words about your son. Please thank your son on this American families behalf for his service to country.
September 15th, 2005 at 8:19 am
Hey! Thanks for the great post. It is good to see up-close the boys going over there. We’re so thankful to those guys.
September 15th, 2005 at 8:27 am
Godspeed, Lance Corporal Sensing. And congratulations to the Sensing family, for *being* the Sensing family.
You’ve a lot to be proud of… and your neighbors, and your country, can be grateful to have you.
That pic of Stephen with his battalion commander brought back tears and memories. Not everyone has a colonel that truly cares about each and every trooper under his command… but Lt.Col. Kuhn clearly does. You’re in good hands.
God bless you all,
Daniel in Brookline
September 15th, 2005 at 8:31 am
My son completed his first tour of duty in Iraq last Feb. His very best friend will (Lord willing) be stateside by the end of the month. Your site is a reminder that before “my” boys can come home, someone else’s son has to go. As I cry with you in both pride and pain, I hope you can rejoice with us that welcome our Marines home. And I pray that God will give you that privilege also.
My deepest thanks to you, your son, and his grandfather for serving this great nation. Your sacrifices are greatly appreciated by many and enjoyed even by those who don’t appreciate them!
Semper Fidelis!
September 15th, 2005 at 8:36 am
God bless you and your family. You stated a thought that I have been trying to articulate for several months:
“I told him what I had told my son the night before, that I was deeply envious of my son and his fellow Marines. Some people reach the end of their lives still wondering whether they ever made a positive difference in their country or the world. Marines don’t have that problem, and neither, of course, do soldiers, sailors, airmen or Coast Guardsmen.
My son and his fellows are producers of freedom, not mere consumers of it. And those who only consumed freedom will one night lie in their beds and think themselves accursed that they didn’t serve with them.”
I am a public school teacher in urban Los Angeles. I feel that my “service” to our country is to educate our nation’s poorest and/or newest immigrants about the freedoms that our nation offers to all of its people … including them. However, I often go to bed feeling that I wish I could do more.
Nonetheless, a sincere thanks to you and your family for the commitment to our country and for sharing these personal reflections.
TIM
September 15th, 2005 at 8:40 am
Don, Cathy, Stephen, Thomas and Elizabeth Lee,
I am so proud to be part of your family! It does bring tears to my eyes looking at the pictures but also does make me proud! I don’t know what you are going through missing him except as an aunt who lives far away (and that’s hard enough). All of you are in my/our prayers. We’ll see you soon! Love, Terri
September 15th, 2005 at 9:25 am
Dear Lance Cpl. Sensing,
Good luck and God bless you. America loves you and is forever greatful for your committement and courage and service. Please send our sentiments to your brothers in arms and know that you all will be in our thoughts and prayers for a safe tour of duty and a safe return home. Thank you so much.
Sincerely and Semper Fi!!!!
The Denogean Family
Tucson, AZ
September 15th, 2005 at 9:32 am
Donald - I will add your son to my prayer list. Thank you for sharing these moments from your lives - God Bless You for you and your family’s service. As a career Naval Officer, now retired, I can assure you we take the service provided by the young men and women in our Armed Forces very seriously.
for Robert Boester: How wrong you are. A mere review of the freedoms this war has produced for millions of Iraqis and Afghans - a war, ultimately, for our cultural survival as a nation and experiment in demoncracy - would convince anyone not blinded by irrational hatred of our national direction.
For Tim: thanks for your efforts in urban LA; they’re appreciated.
P.M. Leenhouts
Captain USN (Ret)
1976 - 2004
September 15th, 2005 at 9:56 am
I read your post, via Michelle Malkin, this morning while me 3-year old son ate breakfast. I was moved by not only your insightful comments, but by the look in your son’s eyes. I saw a young, determined warrior who had a mission. Thank you for sharing him with our nation; he stands now on the front line for all of us. May he do his duty and return safely to you. I am grateful for those who live and die so that my family can be free. God’s blessings and protection on your son and your family while you’re apart.
September 15th, 2005 at 9:56 am
Rev. Sensing, my prayers go out to your son and his fellow Marines. I hope they are successful in their missions and that they all return safely to their families. Godspeed.
September 15th, 2005 at 9:57 am
What wonderful photos of and beautiful words for your son’s send-off. The photo of him hugging his grandpa made me more than a little misty.
Please know we are thankful for your family’s sacrifices (all 3 generations) and grateful too.
Don’t forget to submit your son’s name to Soldiers’ Angels (www.soldiersangels.org) so that those of us who belong to it can send him letters & extra support. We are on a mission of our own-to make sure all our service members know that they are loved & supported.
God bless your family!!
Melinda
September 15th, 2005 at 9:59 am
Mr. Sensing - You say something very important, “And those who only consumed freedom will one night lie in their beds and think themselves accursed that they didn’t serve with them.”
As a front-row witness on 9/11/01, there are many thoughts that go through my head at night; the thought you describe is definately one of them. My heartfelt respect for Americans like your son is always matched by the uneasy reminder that I never volunteered to do more for my country.
In addition, it is my belief that some elitists who go the extra mile to actually denigrate our forces do so as a reaction of shame. Much like a boy who realizes that he will never match the athletic prowess of an older brother, it seems that some in this country disparage our military because they realize their human irrelevance when compared to Americans like your son.
September 15th, 2005 at 10:48 am
May the God of Psalm 91 be with his unit and protect them: “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day…a no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.”
(I’ve linked to your article at my blog.)
September 15th, 2005 at 10:53 am
God be with Stephen, his platoon, and his family until he returns to us. We’re already praying for his safe return. We are so proud of Stephen. We are thankful for him and for his family! God bless you all.
September 15th, 2005 at 10:57 am
God Bless and God Speed, Marine.
I am greatful that you have raised your son in a manner that not only makes you proud, but brings me pride as well. Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Sensing.
September 15th, 2005 at 11:01 am
Don,
It was a great privilege to meet Lcpl Sensing; I can only hope that he gained some sense of knowledge and/or security from our few hours together.
I too thank Mr. Boester for his service, but am sorry he didn’t recognize that your “offensive” phrase was borrowed from Shakespeare’s “St. Crispin’s Day Speech”…
Godspeed and God Bless. Semper fi.
September 15th, 2005 at 11:20 am
Semper Fi, Marine!
Just wanted to offer my heart felt thanks from one old Marine to a new one continuing the finest tradition of our great nation: Preserving Freedom.
My family’s prayers will be with you and the thousands of other young men and women serving overseas right now. You are our greatest treasure and we are Very proud of your service.
Carry On, Hero!
September 15th, 2005 at 11:57 am
Godspeed and all blessings to your son, and may his angels be with him!
September 15th, 2005 at 12:00 pm
Thank you for the pictures, Reverend. Young Sensing has a big family now, and it’s not just his parents, siblings, and grandfather.
I look forward to more updates.
To every civilian who regrets having not volunteered, do this much, at least: be the best civilian you can be, at whatever you do. Make our volunteers feel like it was all worth it.
September 15th, 2005 at 12:06 pm
Don, my prayers to your son.
To all who served honourably: thank you. So have I, to the extent that it matters, which is — in my opinion — not all that much.
To all who have not, for whatever reason: before you “hold your manhood cheap” as the Bard would say, remember the reason that Stephen and his buddies will dominate their particular corner of the war, is that they come from a place that has good teachers, scientists, engineers, and all the many others who build our counrty, send our sons to war with the best of education, equipment, arms and leadership.
When the stuff is not the best it could be, our raucous political process helps the somewhat byzantine procurement system do its job.
So don’t beat yourselves up, just live your lives as best you can and reach your potential — that is the best way that you can help and honour those in the arena now, and those who never returned.
To those who see a family’s wartime parting as an invitation to deposit their politics in public, consider developing a sense of taste and proportion. It will serve you in good stead and keep your blood pressure down.
To those who envision a day when young men will not go to war: you are envisioning an alteration in human nature that can not and will not happen. It is wishful thinking, fantasy, magic. It’s rather important that we make public policy based not on the world we wish for, but on the one we actually inhabit. But this doesn’t seem to be the right time and place for a policy discussion.
September 15th, 2005 at 12:32 pm
Mr. Sensing,
You honor us with a glimpse into your life and the personal nature of sending a child to war. While I served in the 82nd Airborne for four years and spent another two in the Guard during the first Gulf War, I never saw battle, but I did see the look of dedication in my friends’ eyes as they left for Panama and Kuwait. The same look as I see in the photos of your son.
I work at a University where there are many who will never feel “accursed that they didn’t serve with them.” It is my hope that someday people (especially here) will realize that freedom isn’t free, but is and has been paid for by our military. Godspeed.
September 15th, 2005 at 12:45 pm
Mr Sensing:
Thank you for sharing such an intimately personal experience. I especially want to thank you for positively influencing Lance Cpl. Sensing in such a magnificent manner. It is with respect and absolute appreciation that I write these words because I too have served, yet I feel indebted to the professionalism and dedication of our younger generation who continue to receive and carry the baton of service for our country.
I also thank you for raising a son who comprehends the reason he serves. My prayers go out to you and your family.
To Robert Boester: Your comments were inappropriate and unprofessional! I sincerely doubt you ever served in the military. I suggest you go look in a mirror and requalify your statement. Anyone who has ever had the courage to lead in the military would never think about posting such a shameful and dishonorable statement. As a reminder, LCP Shilling is acting upon the oath he swore to fulfill as a United States Marine. This forum has nothing to do with politics. Rather, it has everything to do with a young Marine who is very much missed by his family as he deploys to serve his country.
With that said, may God richly bless you all - that includes you too, Mr. Boester…
Major, U.S. Army (Retired)
Scouts, Out!
September 15th, 2005 at 1:29 pm
May the wind be always at his back.
This was very touching.
September 15th, 2005 at 2:18 pm
I thank and honor him.
September 15th, 2005 at 2:23 pm
Thank you for sharing such a very moving and deeply personal glimpse into your lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family… and to Stephen and his fellow Marines for their safe return. God Bless you all.
September 15th, 2005 at 3:10 pm
Sir,
Words are never enough, but thank you so very much for your family’s service to this country. Godspeed to your son, may God help him to stand strong and true in battle, and my He bring him safely home to you.
God Bless you and yours, sir.
Sincerely,
Phil Vera
September 15th, 2005 at 3:13 pm
May God be with you every step of the way and cradle you and your family always!
September 15th, 2005 at 3:49 pm
Thank you and your family for the service rendered our nation for the most of the last century and all of this one thus far. My prayers go with your son and his fellow warriors of all the services. Without them we would be at the mercy of evil men.
Paul Melody
Colonel, USA (ret)
September 15th, 2005 at 3:55 pm
Many thanks to your son for his service and your family for support of that service. You are all in my prayers.
September 15th, 2005 at 6:02 pm
Thank you for sharing this time with us. I look at Stephen’s eyes and see such committment. Can this be the same little boy that instantly struck a pose whenever a camera was pointed his way? Who, at 12, played the perfect host when Mark and I dropped in at the Sensing’s unannounced to find Cathy and Don not home. “Would you care for a glass of tea?”, he said. So cute.
I can only imagine all the emotions of the day he deployed. I wept while viewing these touching photos and continue to weep as I type. Please know that I will be praying for Stephen and all those who serve. All Americans owe a debt to the families who reared these fine young men. Love to you all.
September 15th, 2005 at 8:25 pm
God bless your son. I would go if I could.
Semper Fi!
Tom Plank
Lt., USMCR, 3rd MP Bn, Da Nang, RVN, and D Co. 1/7, s/w of Da Nang, RVN, 1969-1970.
September 15th, 2005 at 8:54 pm
Your post was very moving. I will keep your son and his unit in my prayers. God bless your son and family.
September 15th, 2005 at 10:13 pm
Thank you & your son. God bless. Lance cpl Sensing will be in our prayers.
September 15th, 2005 at 10:33 pm
Thank you for sharing this moment with us. May the peace of God rule your hearts and souls as your son deploys in the Middle East. And God will keep your son close to His heart.
My only son is also a new Marine, going through S.O.I. right now. I could not be more proud of him or of any of our military son’s and daughters.My heart aches with yours, not knowing how things will go yet full of love knowing that young Stephen is doing this of his own accord. I was a young infantryman once and know that Stepen is commited to his mission yet is excited and apprehensive at the same time. May he return to you safely. Amen
Thomas Gretchko
Co G (Ranger) 23rd Inf Div
RVN DaNang and ChuLai 1970-71
September 16th, 2005 at 12:22 am
You are absolutely right. I am a 45-year old man who regrets not serving in the military. I feel that I served this country when I worked as an immigration inspector, but that is not the same as risking your life in a war zone.
I admire your family’s military tradition very much.
September 16th, 2005 at 1:06 am
Good luck Marine. Come home safe.
Good luck to Mom and Dad. Remember to send the geedunk to keep his spirits up.
LT, USN
September 17th, 2005 at 7:36 pm
Thank you for your tradition of service to America. I’ve always felt that the consumers of freedom could best honor it by simply being respectful in their political and social disagreements. Discourse is so necessary to our great country, name-calling and rudeness is not. God’s Blessings to you, your family and your son. May he return to you not just the boy who served his country, but a man who can now lead his country in whatever pursuit he chooses.
Radioman 2nd Class
USN
1977-83
September 19th, 2005 at 9:21 pm
Stephen, I’m proud to know you and your fine family and wish you a successful mission, a sense of accomplishment that only combat veterans can know, and a safe and speedy return. I am convinced that you are not only doing your country’s work but that of a much higher power. The world, and generations to come, will be better off because of your patriotism, obvious abilities, and vigilence.
Mardi and I will pray for you and your family. Although unlikely, I hope I can see you in country.
Semper Fi
Brigadier General D. Brooks Hodges III
USA/ALARNG
September 19th, 2005 at 9:53 pm
Godspeed and good luck, LCpl Sensing. And thank you.
To Mrs and Reverend Sensing, and all those of your family, congregation, and community who have shared in raising such a fine young man as Stephen, thank you, too.
You are all in my prayers.
Semper Fi.
September 23rd, 2005 at 2:44 am
All my thanks to those that go in first, and leave last.
Godspeed.
From an ex-USAF SSgt, my thanks go to those that go in to provide a safe FOB for those that bring “Big Toys”! If it weren’t for all of you, the rest of us would have a very hard go!
Prayers, Praise, and Optimism!
Prayers - God shall watch over you, always.
Praise - for the unselfish act you are making.
Optimism - to obliterate fear, hate, and darkness.
God Bless from my family to you and yours!
“Optimism (light) is the power that ultimately defeats fear (darkness).”
September 29th, 2005 at 3:28 pm
May God protect Lance Cpl. Sensing and his fellow brothers. They are all heros and deserve our thoughs, prayers, and support, as do the families who raised such fine you people. I lost a friend in Iraq in June and another is due home next month. They are both Marines in 3/25 Weapons Company. I could not agree more with the comment you made about all of our servicemen knowing they have all made a difference, something many of us who have served may question in the years to came. I will continue to pray for the safety and well being of all of our servicemen, and for their safe return to their families and loved ones.
October 5th, 2005 at 6:08 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My son is currently serving in Afghanistan! As a mother of an only son in a war zone, I feel anxious on a daily basis waiting from call to call for reasurrance my son is safe. I am grateful for all the soldiers in all branches who are willing to put others’lives before their own! Thank you Stephen and thank you to your parents who have raised such a selfless young man! Whoahhhhhh!
From the proud mother of another soldier!(SPC Thomas R Watkins-FANG)
Sheila Melvin
October 6th, 2005 at 5:31 pm
As the wife of a Marine, and a mother, my heart and my prayers are with you. I wish your son Godspeed, and a safe return. On a personal note, I know your son was trained by some of the best here on Parris Island. My husband sends his regards and best wishes as well. As a family, we will pray together that this fine young Marine finds his way safely back to all of you.
October 7th, 2005 at 2:05 pm
Dear Stephen:
When you were six years old you came to my house in Springfield, Va., on a Saturday morning. When I offered you cartoons on TV, you said you would rather have a conversation about space (I worked with NASA at the time and you knew it). So, we had a conversation about space when you were six. You were mature beyond your years when you were six. How we parents wish our grown children would return to their innocence of being six. But alas, you are not six anymore. You are a man who is mature beyond your years still.
And with your new challenge of defending my freedom, I have few words, mostly feelings.
I am proud-of you, of being an American, of your family.
I am sad-because I know your family is concerned about you and misses you being with them daily.
I am not content-pleading with God to do His work on Earth to bring peace and keep you and other young men and women out of harms’ way.
I am motivated-to do my part to produce freedom (as your dad said) in my family, maybe not through military service, but through civic duty (voting, lobbying, etc.) and through educating my children to do their part too. One way we can help you, our producers and defenders of freedom is to support you during your time away from the USA. Expect letters from us that you can share with your fellow Marines who may not get so many letters.
I also have little advice but to say, love God and love your neighbor as yourself. That’s really what the Bible boils it down to, and that’s the best advice anyone ever gave-since it was Jesus who said it. Beware, it’s not always so clear to do, but that’s what our Christian journey is all about-figuring out how to love God and love our neighbors when faced with our daily decisions. Follow Jesus as you take this significant step on your Christian journey.
To Don and Cathy and Thomas and Elizabeth: You are a great family who relies on God for your strength. I am so glad to call you friends. Thanks for sharing Stephen with us and for doing such a good job raising him to know and follow God and to be such a fine person.
Becky
October 15th, 2005 at 9:00 pm
I shall add your son to my prayers…I sincerely mean this. I just found out your son shipped out. I have tears…for the pride I feel for you…for the man he has become…for you and your wife.
October 16th, 2005 at 3:28 pm
Your Sacrifice & and Your Son’s Courage will allow my 7 year old son the possibilities of Service to his Country that he dreams of. I served in President Regan’s Army. God Bless!