Wise Person Said: Greg Jensen

Posted On: Friday, 19 September 2025

Greg Jensen began his military career in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2005. Once he graduated Officer Candidates School, the basic school, and became certified as a judge advocate at the Naval Justice School, he entered the fleet serving as a judge advocate at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. He transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserves in May 2009 where he currently serves as a reservist working within the Marine Corps Recruiting Command. Jensen recently became a member of The American Legion. 
 
What does your American Legion membership mean to you?
My American Legion membership means a great deal to me. It is an organization that is committed to providing a “hand up” to our veterans. I love the impact they not only make within the veteran community, but also within my community as a whole. First and foremost, this is an educational opportunity — one in which I get to both learn about the past interest that veterans have faced, as well as helping to identify current and future concerns we must address for our nation to be the very best version of itself.
 
Explain more about the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and your involvement.
I become involved with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation shortly after moving back home to Indiana and joining the Marine Corps Reserves. I am a volunteer member of the team and am blessed to spend time and serve alongside our amazing Gold Star Family members and those who love and support them. Every year, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation - Indiana puts on a golf tournament that routinely brings out approximately 300 golfers and approximately 50 volunteers. Through the steadfast leadership of Gold Star Parents like Kevin Rankle, Gary Strader, and Melanie Smith, and Marines Edward Smid, Tyler Mensch, and Sean Dixon, this event routinely nets more than $100,000 and therefore can permanently endow a scholarship in the name of a fallen Marine from the state of Indiana. The entire Indiana chapter of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is an absolute and dedicated force. 
 
Can you talk about the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and specifically its work with Gold Star Mothers?
Our Gold Star Mothers and Fathers are the backbone of our organization. I have never met such a dedicated and impactful group of individuals in my life. Nobody outworks our Gold Star Moms and Dads at the golf tournament. They are the first to arrive to set up, work all day providing support, and the last to leave at the conclusion of the tournament. Through their presence, strength, and understanding, I have found it is always our Gold Star parents who are the strongest members of our event. Their ability to love and impact our veterans is life changing. When people leave, they often say, “I thought I came here to support our Gold Star Families, but it ended up being them who gave me hope and inspiration.”
 
Do you feel it’s important for like-minded organizations — the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Gold Star Mothers, and the American Legion Auxiliary — to work together?
100%! We live in a world that often seems absolutely committed to tearing itself apart for no other reason than to generate a fictional or egotistical “win.” Organizations that are truly committed to making this world a better place have to be committed to supporting one another and their respective missions.

ALA Mission
Statement

In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.