U.S. Army retired veteran Rickard Jensen had his vehicle selected to be the Honor Guard vehicle for the Anna Maria Island, Florida, Fourth of July Parade.
Jensen, a 1970 Luverne High School graduate, formed a Military Veteran Dragon Boat Team in 2021 and competes against other teams in Florida and nationwide.
He leads the team NBP Veterans, named for Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota, Florida, a paddling facility that hosts state, national and international rowing and paddling events.
Jensen, who was named 2023 Manatee County Veteran of the Year, enlisted in 1971 and served in Vietnam, Germany, Alaska, and numerous other locations in his 21-year Army career. He attained the rank of E-8 (1SG) upon retirement in 1992 and is now a permanent disabled veteran.
He is the son of the late Ralph and Jackie Jensen, and his siblings include Randy Jensen, Luverne, Joann Emery, Sioux Falls, and Bob Jensen, Worthington.