Hundreds of people gathered in Michigan to say a goodbye to a cancer-stricken dog who served three tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marines.
Cena, a 10-year-old old black lab, received a hero’s farewell Wednesday before being euthanized at the USS LST 393, a museum ship in Muskegon, and carried off in a flag-draped coffin.
Cena, who was recently diagnosed with terminal bone cancer, was a bomb-sniffer for the Marines until his retirement in 2014.
The hero’s sendoff was organized by his owner, Lance Cpl. Jeff DeYoung, who was paired with Cena in 2009 and 2010 while on a combat tour in Afghanistan. He adopted Cena in 2014.
Cena then became DeYoung’s service dog to help him with his post-traumatic stress disorder.
DeYoung said he’s carried Cena across rivers and thrown his body over him while under heavy fire from the Taliban. He said Cena kept DeYoung’s body warm during cold desert nights, and comforted him when he lost seven friends in three weeks.
“Every Marine has to go out in a set of dress blues. That’s just the way we are,” DeYoung said. “He’s got his decorations, he’s dressed to the nines, he got a fresh grooming service today and we’re ready to make peace with what we have to do.”
Before saying goodbye, the two went on one last adventure together. The pair took off to ride in a topless Jeep, wearing custom dress blues. The vehicle was decorated and named “Cancer Response Team.”
DeYoung and his best friend then took their final walk as fellow service members and public safety officials gave one final three-volley salute with taps playing in the background for Cena, who was wearing a decorated blue Marine vest.
“Any dog that served overseas deserves exactly what I’ve done for Cena, if not more,” DeYoung said.
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Very sorry to read of your loss. Take comfort in that you will see each other again. Semper Fi
So sorry for your loss, Semper FI Cena!!!
A dog is what SEMPER FI stands for.. ALWAYS FAITHFUL!!! …no matter what. RIP Cena
Great story of a canine hero. Black labs rule!
A dog will always protect it’s caretaker no matter what. Cena was a brave brother in arms. May he rest in peace.
It would be My Honor to stand and Salute You Cena , a Marine is a Marine to Me ! Bravery knows No boundaries and I admire all forms of Bravery, Thank You SO Much for Your Service to My Country!!! Wherever all Us Marines gather in Hereafter, I look forward to Meeting You !!!
Till the bugler blows taps for the last time, till he blows it for us, it’s Semper Fidelis, Marine Corps.
God just needed Cena more than we do. See you at the Rainbow Bridge, Marine. Will Rogers said it best, “I don’t know if dogs go to Heaven when they die, but when I die, I want to go where they do.” Semper Fi!
Cena will now be guarding Heaven’s Gate along with his Marine brothers and sisters. Thank you for your service to our country and our Corps. Semper Fi.
Semper Fi Marine Cena! We will all meet at the Dress Blue Ball above! Joe H
Amazing service by both these Marines! Cena rest in peace. Well done Marine Well done! Semper Fi ! Gunny
I hopefully hope that all Marines that serve as this K-9 Marine did get their honorable send off for their service and are remember for what they were trained, I commend L/Cpl De young on this honorary good bye of Sgt. Cena, well done, MARINES never die, They are reborn ! Semper Fi K-9 Cena.
I have worked with these incredibly brave canine Marines and their human Marine handlers and they are the bravest beings I have ever had the honour of serving with. I might be an Australian, but I recognize courage, loyalty and devotion to duty when I see it, and am always ready to pay tribute. My condolences to Lance Corporal Jeff DeYoung, I am sure you and Cena will have some great catching-up to do at some future time. May Cena rest in peace after his faithful and hazardous service
Outstanding job Cena. Rest in Peace my canine brother. Lance Cpl, well done. Take heart that you and Cena are what we stand for. SEMPER FI MARINES< everywhere.
Farwell Cena, Semper Fi!
Semper Fi, Cena! Myself, Lance Cpl DeYoung, and all should take comfort in knowing that the gates of heaven are being guarded by one of the Marine Corps finest. Semper Fi,
I know how it feels to lose your most faithful friend but I can’t imagine the heartbreak this Marine must have felt when he carried his brother in arms for their last walk. My heart and prayers go out to you but he will always be at your side.
OMG! What a beutiful and heart-wrending story! Having served 10 years as a Chaplain to Marines, I am overwhelmed with grief at the loss of such a hero as Cene, and I am filled with pride that I served with Marines such as Lance Cpl De Young. Semper Fi, Cena! RIP! Semper Fi, Lance Cpl De Young! You are a hero as well!
I work with these amazing animals as a drug K9 MP on active duty. Rainbow Bridge is a real place that Cena will be waiting for his friend to meet and be young & healthy again with him. Farwell Cena, and Semper Fi you brave US Marine. May you RIP. You have all our respect and admiration.
Cena, May you rest in the peace safely of Gods loving hands at Rainbow Bridge wher you now stand watch, young and happy, thank you for your unselfish love protecting LCPL De Young, you will meet again, Strength & Honere Semper Fidelis Marine. LCPL DeYoung, thank you for your Service and unselfish devotion to Cena, while our Black Lab was not a War Dog or Marine it hurt just as much , we share your loss but share you as our second Black Lab is now in failing health but it’s not his time yet. So I say to you Strength & Honor and Semper Fidelis and thank you for your service…………………Semper Fidelis Marine Gunny
DAMN IT!!!!!! Marines are not supposed to cry! I have done my share the last 47 years but today, reading this really broke me down. Semper Fi Cena!!!! May your dish always be full. OORAH…..
Semper Fidelis Marine, they need a good Marine on Heavens scenes, RIP.
Semper Fi, always loyal, always faithful………….definitely will be waiting at the “rainbow bridge”
This is for Major Anthony P. Oliva, USMC Ret.: “By any chance would you happen to be from Cincinnati, Ohio? And by chance were you a “Mustang” officer? A good friend of mine named Tony Oliva from Cincinnati, we served together in Nam, this would have been in mid-60’s. Not sure who he was with. I was with F/2/26 @Khe Sanh. Would appreciate a reply.” Gary Ross
Semper Fi devil dog, you did us proud. One day we will see each other again, rest in peace Cena. Tip of hat, SEMPER FI!!!!!!
Dogs have always been Mans best friend but Marine Canines are a large step beyond the norm. Rest easy Marine because all your Marine Brothers are feeling your loss and wish you and Cena only the best. S/F
Cpl Larry D McKee Cena May the Lord bless and keep you – I do Pray. Semper Fi
RIP Cena and ‘Thank You fellow Marine’ for a job well done! over and over. “SEMPER FI”
Sorry for your loss of Cena. All dogs are faithful and loving no matter what their size. I was not a US Marine but I am married to a US Marine and he is also very sorry for your loss. He served in Nam and has agent orange in his body.. But said he would go again and fight for a beloved USA just like Cena My heart goes out to you LCPL De Young but God is keeping Cena in good health at Rainbow Bridge…. Semper FI to you and all US Marines living and passed ONCE A MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE
Sgt. Cena, “HAND SALUTE” , Semper FI brothers!
Semper Fi. A job well done, You have done well in your service to Sgt. Cena and the Corps. With all due respect a Hand Salute and a final Semper Fi ,to someone who deserves it . I am saddened by this event.
In Vietnam wounded K9s were alway an emergency Medevac. We risked our lives to save them, and because they risked their lives to save us. These war dogs have earned the title United States Marine and deserve full military honors. Semper Fi Sgt. Cerna.