Hensley receives Purple Heart

United States Army Sgt. Jason D. Hensley received a Purple Heart for his bravery in action while serving in Iraq.

Hensley, the eldest son of Don and Rizza Hensley of Papago, joined the U.S. Army in March 2000.

He completed his basic training in Fort Leanord Wood, Mo. and was assigned to the combat engineers big Red One in Schweinfurt, Germany.

Hensley served one tour in Kosovo and had completed training with the U.N. Forces and the Army Elite Sapper School before going to Iraq in February 2004. There he was wounded in action in August 2004. After his stay in a hospital, he returned to his group in Samarra, Iraq and is still serving there.

Hensley is married to Deanna Matagolai of Susupe and the couple has two children.

His parents is asking for everyone’s prayers for the safe return of Hensley and all of the men and women serving in the U.S. military, “so we may live in peace is most appreciated.”