Hensley honored for Purple Heart medal

The 8th Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council has adopted a resolution commending U.S. Army Sgt. Jason D. Hensley for being awarded the Purple Heart medal for injury he sustained in combat in Iraq.

Hensley was wounded in combat action in August 2004, but has since returned to his unit in Samarra, Iraq.

Hensley enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 2000; completed Basic Training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO; and assigned to combat engineers Big Red One in Schweinfurt, Germany.

He is the eldest son of proud parents Don H. and Rizalinda D. Hensley of Papago, Saipan.

Hensley is married to Deanna Matagolai and the proud father of two children: Ha’Ian Roquette, and Don Jason.

“The members of the municipal council and the people of the CNMI are extremely proud of Hensley for risking his own life for the people of Iraq so they may enjoy the rewarding experience of peace, freedom, and democracy. The council and the people of the CNMI join Don and Rizza D. Hensley, Deanna Matagolai Hensley, their two children and their family members in extending special recognition and honor to Hensley. Further, the members of the council and the people of the CNMI join the family members in their prayers to our almighty Lord to bestow unto Hensley and other members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other dangerous posts eternal safety, security and successful mission in securing global peace, freedom and democracy for all races and ages,” part of the resolution reads.

The resolution was certified by municipal council chair Gregorio V. Deleon Guerrero and vice chair David A. Indalecio and attested by secretary Antonia M. Tudela.

The list of CNMI heroes wounded or killed in action include U.S. Army Sergeant Yinjyh “Eddie” Lang Chen, 1st CNMI casualty in Iraq; U.S. Army Sergeant William Ayuyu Sakisat Jr., wounded in Afghanistan; U.S. Army Specialist 4 Monique Guerrero Sablan, wounded in Iraq; U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Randy Takai Johnson, wounded in Iraq; U.S. Army Sergeant Nazario San Nicolas Borja (Tinian), wounded in Iraq; U.S. Army Specialist Gregory Cabrera (Tinian), wounded in Iraq; U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dustin M. Pangelinan, wounded in Iraq; and Hensley, wounded in Iraq.