Fortitude and a Commitment to Others

Fortitude and a Commitment to Others

Gideon Thompson

The Ashland Beacon

Created to intercept British supply ships on Oct. 13, 1775, the United States Navy was then named the Continental Navy, playing a key role in the outcome of the American Revolution. After successfully maneuvering through the American Revolution, the Navy was consolidated, only to be revived in 1794 as part of a military restructuring. During the Civil War, the U.S. Navy was utilized to block southern entry through ports to cut off supplies to the southern militias. During WWI, the U.S. Navy was responsible for carrying over 3.4 million soldiers to Europe in hopes of freeing the oppressed. After the attack on Pearl Harbor just before WWII, the United States sent fleets into the Atlantic Ocean in response, then turned to combat soon after with the German military.

Throughout a great piece of United States history, the Navy has been responsible for securing oceanic borders from coast to coast. With a massive backing of 300-plus deployable ships and over 3,500 military aircraft, the U.S. Navy is the largest in the world. Today, the U.S. Navy protects our borders and combats terrorism worldwide, securing freedom and a future for everyone.

Graduating from Paul G. Blazer High School of Ashland, Kentucky, Charles Eddie Hensley Jr. enlisted with the U.S. Navy in July of 2003. What started as an entry into the United States Military directly after graduating high school turned into a five-year commitment to protecting our country and fighting for peace across the earth.

Deployed by air to the USS George Washington (CVN-73) to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Eddie made use of his training and skills learned with the U.S. Navy. Trained at the Great Lakes and Pensacola Naval Station, Eddie had plenty of training to keep him safe and operating at his best during his deployment. Working as an aviation ordnance man, he kept the Navy supplied with aircraft and vessels capable of combat and security.

Having completed his service with the U.S. Navy, Mr. Hensley returned home to Ashland, Kentucky, where he built a life for himself and others. Now a devoted father and businessman, Eddie spends his days watching his family grow as he works to secure a life for them. With experiences that have shaped his life, Mr. Hensley has fortitude that has carried him through many years of growth and development. Time for Eddie is now mostly spent with his children as he watches them grow and learns about the world he served to protect. Now a 40-year-old veteran of the United States Navy, Eddie Hensley has memories that he will cherish forever as he continues his journey with his family in the hometown he started with. With support from his family, friends, and community, which he has served, Mr. Hensley will be carried through life with honor for the sacrifices he has made to protect our home. Having spent a good five years with the Navy, he is well educated and trained to protect his family and community as he grows with them over time.