Posted on 08/27/2007 12:58:30 PM PDT by grame
About 500 friends and family gathered at Cpl. Shawn Hensels funeral Saturday at First Assembly of God Church in Logansport to honor and remember the 20-year-old, who was a son, husband, uncle, brother and friend.
David and Beth Hensels only son was killed fighting on the front lines in Iraq Aug. 14.
(Excerpt) Read more at pharostribune.com ...
I love you, baby, she said. Mama will always miss you, baby.
About 500 friends and family gathered at Cpl. Shawn Hensels funeral Saturday at First Assembly of God Church in Logansport to honor and remember the 20-year-old, who was a son, husband, uncle, brother and friend.
David and Beth Hensels only son was killed fighting on the front lines in Iraq Aug. 14.
At the funeral, photos of Shawn were shown on a projection screen above his casket. Many were of him posed in his military uniform, brown-eyed and smiling.
Laci Hensel, Shawns wife, shared stories about her husband how he surprised her on their two-month wedding anniversary and took her on her first kayaking trip.
Shawn e-mailed Laci regularly to stay in communication while he was in Iraq.
I still check my e-mail for messages and responses from you, she said. You were my best friend and my soulmate.
Shawns casket, an American flag spread over it, was surrounded by a row of flowers, cards and medals he had received in the last week.
The Patriot Guard Riders lined the walls of the church, holding in their hands American flags.
U.S. Army representative Maj. Gen. David Huntoon said Shawns troop knew him to be trustworthy while in Iraq.
He was relied upon by every soldier, he said. He always looked out for the troops.
He was also fearless in battle, Huntoon said.
Huntoon recalled Shawns platoon leader saying the young soldier never complained in training or on a mission. No matter what was thrown at him, he kept a positive attitude.
Jeff Strite, who officiated at the services, said Shawn was known for seeking out adventure.
He wanted to live as much of life as he could, Strite said. He wanted to live life abundantly.
Shawn joined the Army in order to better himself, he said.
His parents said he went into the Army a boy, and left a man, Strite said. He believed that the Army could change him, that he could get more out of life.
Shawn Hensel was a young man who sought out a new experience, a new destination. Now, hes going down a different road.
After the funeral, Shawns body was taken to Ever-Rest Memorial Park Cemetery with his friends and family following in procession. Motorcyclists from Patriot Guard Riders led the long line of cars.
Police blocked off the streets, and hundreds of individuals lined up along Burlington Avenue and Market Street, waving red, white and blue flags high in the air.
Many people held up signs, with messages including, Our hometown hero: Cpl. Hensel, God bless Cpl. Hensel, and Thanks Shawn for being our hero.
Many men and women of Logansport saluted Shawn as he passed, with tears in their eyes as they said good-bye to one of their own.
Huntoon said he had never seen anything of this magnitude in a small community.
Chris Smith, manager of Gundrum Funeral Home, which handled the arrangements, said the support was unbelievable.
Ive never experienced anything like it, he said.
Congressman Joe Donnelly, who spoke at the funeral service, called Shawn a true American hero.
When his country called upon him, he didnt say no, he didnt walk away, he didnt say, Take someone else, Donnelly said. He said, I will stand up for a country I love.
Shawn will be buried near his grandparents, Patricia and Hiram Hensel. Hiram was a WWII veteran.
Shawns casket was brought to the burial site with three honor guards from Fort Knox, Ky., on each side Saturday.
His parents, wife, sisters, Autumn Vail and Angie Hensel, and his niece and nephew, sat near Shawns casket.
The honor guards performed a 21-gun salute in remembrance of Shawn.
Individuals lined up at Shawns casket, each putting a red, white and blue flower on the casket as they said a few last words.
Family and friends then each took a balloon with an ID attached that read, Shawn D. Hensel. Our Hero. RIP.
As it drizzled rain and dark clouds swarmed the sky, the balloons were released into the air.
Seconds later, the clouds opened up, and the sun shined brightly down.
I hope he catches them up there, Beth said as she looked up to the sky.
Melissa Soria may be reached at (574) 732-5143 or via e-mail at melissa.soria@pharostribune.com
Another brave hero at rest in American soil. I honor him for his great sacrifice!
Incorrect. The honor guard fired three rifle volleys not a 21-gun salute.
Prayers for Shawn and his family. Thank you for your sacrifice.
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