Richard A Jensen
CPL U.S. Marines
Korea 1952-1954
Richard A. Jensen was born on November 7, 1931. He joined the National Guard on October 22, 1951. During that time, he helped with traffic control for the opening of the VA Medical Center in Iowa City. He was drafted into the United States Marines in 1952. He completed basic training at Camp Pendleton, California. Richard then served in Korea as a radio operator and was there the day of the Cease Fire in July 1953. He was discharged March 25, 1954.
In the following years, he was very active in military affairs. He joined the Coralville American Legion Walter Johnson Post 721. Later in 1995, he joined the Cedar Valley Detachment Marine Corp League.
He first joined the Coralville Legion to be a part of flag retirement ceremonies. In 1993, he was asked to join the Honor Guard. During that time, the current Commander died and he set up his first Military funeral, including guards at the casket. He went on to arrange approximately 1000 funerals for his fellow veterans.
He performed many other military events such as: Memorial Day services for Tiffin, Coralville, as well as the Veterans Memorial Program held annually at the Coralville Reservoir. He was responsible for the Avenue of Flags at Coralville Cemetery. He also participated at school ceremonies, and presented colors at many meetings and conventions. He was honored with the Prestigious Will J Hayek Award on Nov. 11, 2008.
He married Marilyn Kabela and they had five children (Jeffrey, Cynthia, Clayton, Jonathan, and Jennifer). He attended Coralville Grade School (now JCHS), graduated U-High 1951, and attended University of Iowa until he joined the service.
After retiring from the University of Iowa in 1991, he continued to be very active and community service oriented: playing music at care centers, attending grandchildren activities, camping, and serving on Boards and Commissions.
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