The wish of a young boy suffering from cancer was fulfilled on June 22, with participation from the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR).

CENSECFOR played a role in making 9-year-old Devin Hensley’s wish come true, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Devin, accompanied by members of his family, has been touring Navy commands in the San Diego region for the past week.

The young boy relished the thrill of helicopters, ships, and submarines. His mother, Leslie Hensley, shared: “It has been overwhelming with excitement each day and he says, ‘it was the best day ever.’”

Among those who participated in the effort to make Devin’s wish come true were Gunner’s Mate 1st Class (SW) Ross Mcknown and Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Joel Moorman, who helped Devin and his sister Addison qualify on the Small Arms Weapons Simulator, which uses laser-emitting weapons. The siblings were given the chance to shoot a M9 service pistol, the M-240 and .50 caliber machine gun.

Mcknown shared: “Being able to help grant a wish is an amazing feeling… I will take this memory with me for the rest of my life.”

Devin received a weapons qualification certificate, after displaying exceptional weapons proficiency, and an official arms instructor t-shirt. He, along with his sister Addison, also received CENSECFOR command coins as a souvenir of their visit.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has helped bring to reality the wishes of children who are suffering from life-threatening conditions for the past thirty years. Curt Patera, course manager for the Small Arms Marksmanship Course at the training site, shared: “The Make-A-Wish program is fantastic and to couple it with the Navy was even better.”

UPDATE: We are happy to inform you that Devin is now cancer free. He completed his treatment back in August 2010.