We have been invited by the family of William "Billy" Wesley Jensen, 40, to be present as he receives his military honors, we are privileged to do so.
Billy was an amazing hard working man. Loved and respected by so many. With a quiet yet powerful presence he could command a room and loved to be with those that he loved. Billy grew up in Escondido and San Marcos Ca. He was the oldest of his siblings. He was very close with his brothers, they were the best of friends throughout his whole life. He was a proud big brother and took that job with great pride. Throughout childhood and High School he played many different sports.
He joined the Army at 17 in 1998 with a desire to serve. Billy was a proud soldier and wanted nothing more than to be a career soldier but was dealt a devastating blow when he had to undergo multiple surgeries to save his life that ultimately led to him being medically retired in 2002 under honorable conditions.
He became an amazing father at 20 to his beautiful daughter Julia who was the center of his world until his family was completed by his wife Jolene. With his family in place, Billy put all his efforts into securing a better future for him and his family.
Billy was an underground pipeline heavy machine operator following in the family footsteps and ultimately decided to go back to school to become a Mechanical Engineer. He graduated Cum Laude from San Diego State University in 2015. While he was a full time student he was able to start a Northrup Grumman internship that would pave the way for his career. He spent 5 years with the company working many different projects in many different positions all of which he excelled at.
The most important role he had was to be the best father a daughter could ask for. He did that with such a great amount of pride. He became a Papa to baby Archer about a year ago. His grandson made him so happy. He was a proud father and grandfather. He loved all the titles that he held through the years, brother, son, grandson, nephew, cousin, Soldier, father, husband, Son-in-Law, Brother-in-Law, Father-in-Law, Papa, and friend to so many. Billy had an amazing friendship with so many people. He was one of the most genuine people you could have ever hoped to meet. He valued his friends a great deal.
At the beginning of this year, Billy got his dream of moving out of state and pursuing a new adventure with Booz Allen Hamilton. He was so proud of himself that he was able to step up and start a new position. He loved their new house and riding his riding lawnmower.
Billy and Jolene shared a passion for life and made it a point to go out and enjoy everything from scuba diving, riding the Harley, going out to the desert, the river or just taking the time to visit family. They enjoyed every minute they had together. As short lived as that was there is no other person in this world Billy would have rather had by his side.
Billy is survived by his wife Jolene, his daughter Julia Jensen-Cook, grandson Archer James Cook 1, and siblngs Jeffrey, Brian and Bettie Jean.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
NOTE: It is expected to be hot outside. PLEASE, continue/start hydrating this week.Time table: Friday, 09 July 2021:1300 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR Staging on E. Normandy, near the first roundabout)
https://goo.gl/maps/NkYYNvyWRdV7atim7 1310 - Brief
1330 - KSU To shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military honors
R/C Clint "Smurf" Martin
SoCal PGR Ride Captainlltk@sbcglobal.net
951-505-6362
Do not follow where the path may lead...Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.-CourageYou do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
