Soldier Overcomes Hardship, Keeps Desire to Serve
(January 31, 2009) |
|
|
Army Spc. David Denson of Hanalei, Hawaii,
patrols the town of Husseniyah, Iraq, Sept.
14, 2008. Denson helps Iraqi security forces
maintain security in this northeastern Baghdad
community. |
|
ISTAQLAL, Iraq, Jan. 27, 2009 – From the
waves of California to the deserts of Iraq, Army Spc. David
Denson always has had a desire to serve others.
Through tragedy and hardship, the
37-year-old infantryman, surfer and single father never gave
up on that quest.
Denson's determination began at a young age. People told the
Oceanside, Calif., native that he couldn't surf the Southern
California waves with the professionals. However, Denson
dedicated his youth to surfing. He surfed hard and started
his professional surfing career.
“I busted my butt,” Denson said, in regard to the effort it
took to surf at the professional level. “I wasn't Tom
Curren [a professional
|
|
surfer], but I got to where I wanted to
be.” |
|
Where he wanted to be was in surfer's
paradise: Hawaii.
Denson moved to the island of Kauai in 1991, where he surfed
the crystal-clear Hawaiian waters and adapted to the culture
there.
Just months after Denson moved to Kauai, Hurricane Iniki
struck in September 1992, destroying his home and all of his
belongings. Despite his personal misfortune, Denson said, he
felt the need to do everything he could to assist his new
community.
“It doesn't take much to be a part of a community,” he said.
“My parents taught me to be a good guy and do what is
right.”
He gave up surfing to help to rebuild homes, and he became a
Salvation Army volunteer.
During this time, Denson learned about Hawaiian cultures and
traditions. Assisting him was Hawaiian native Leiliwin Kalei
Mahuiki. Mahuiki and Denson fell in love and married in
September 1995.
While they raised their four girls, Denson became an
activist for Hawaiian rights. “I assisted in researching the
issues that the Hawaiians believed in,” he said. “I wanted
to make my family proud and be a good role model for my
kids.”
But in 2001, tragedy struck. Denson and his pregnant wife
were involved in a vehicle accident that led to the death of
his wife and unborn child.
“I was devastated,” Denson said after the accident. “I
learned how fast life can change and what's important.
He said he worked hard to raise his four daughters, now 7
through 12 years old. The girls are fluent in their native
Hawaiian language and, like their dad, they all surf.
In 2006, Denson decided it was time to continue his selfless
service to those in need, and joined the Army.
“Spreading freedom to another country is similar to sticking
up for the Hawaiians,” Denson said.
Denson now is deployed to Iraq, serving as an infantryman
with Multinational Division Baghdad's Company A, 1st
Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. For the past 14 months,
he has assisted Iraqi security forces in securing the
northern Baghdad region. This additional security has
allowed the Iraqi government to provide much-needed
essential services -- medical aid, education, water and
electricity -- to the residents.
“We're trying to make a difference in people's lives,”
Denson said.
Denson has connected well not only with the local populace,
but also with the younger soldiers in his squad. “The guys
call me ‘Dad,'” Denson said. “I enjoy working with the young
soldiers and watching them grow.”
“He is a person everyone goes to as a mentor,” Army Sgt.
Nathan Taylor, Denson's squad leader, said. “He is
respected, and everyone knows he has a wealth of knowledge
because of his previous experiences.”
As he completes his 15-month tour in Iraq, Denson said, he
is looking forward to spending time with his girls.
“I tell my girls that terrorists don't tend to the needs of
the people,” Denson said. “We did the right thing here,
making the time to do the right missions.” | |
Article and
photo by
Army Sgt. 1st Class J.B. Jaso III
25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion,
27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team
Special to American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2009
Reprinted
from American
Forces Press Service / DoD
Comment on this article |
|
