As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we are taking time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
One of those heroes is Staff Sgt. Dennis J. Hansen, a former Indian Lake resident who gave his life while serving in Afghanistan in December 2009.
Born January 28, 1978, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Hansen was the son of Dwight and Bonnie Buchenroth Hansen of Bellefontaine.
He spent part of his youth in the Indian Lake area and was a 1996 graduate of Indian Lake High School.
Hansen lettered in 5 sports, was in two musicals, played in the band, was in FFA, and 4-H.
At the time of his death, Hansen was serving with the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment as part of the 10th Mountain Division stationed at Fort Drum, New York.
Before joining the Army, he had already completed more than eight years of service in the United States Marine Corps.
During his military career, Hansen served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Kosovo, Japan, Panama, Cuba, and the Mediterranean region.
On December 3, 2009, Hansen was wounded during combat operations in Afghanistan.
He was transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where he died from his injuries on December 5 at the age of 31.
Hansen left behind his wife, Jennifer, three children, his parents, Dwight and Bonnie Hansen, his brother Jeffrey, and numerous extended family members.
Dwight Hansen joined News Direct April King on 98.3 WPKO Sunday morning for Listen Up! to talk about Dennis:
Friends and fellow service members remembered Hansen as a dedicated soldier, devoted family man, and proud American who willingly answered the call to serve his country.
As communities reflect on the sacrifices made by military members throughout our nation’s history, Staff Sgt. Dennis Hansen remains a powerful reminder of the courage, commitment, and selflessness displayed by America’s fallen heroes.
