Faces in Focus: Ex-dentist active in vets' affairs

Carson City resident Val Jensen has brought a smile to thousands of faces. Literally.

While reflecting on 33 years of private practice in Carson City, Jensen said he has treated "nearly everyone" from governors to justices to mayors and countless families through four generations.

"I would have a little kid in one room and a crusty old redneck in another," he said. "I treated a wide variety of people.

"What I miss are the personalities."

Jensen was one of three dentists when he opened his practice in 1966.

At the time, Carson City's population was about 9,000. In 1965, prior to opening his own practice, he was the dentist for the Stewart Indian School.

He and his wife, Donna, married Dec. 19, 1950, and had five children: Ross, Kevin, Cheryl, Tamara and the late Lance, an architect who designed their home; plus 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

"We raised our five children here and have lived here 41 years, and enjoyed it all."

Jensen, 74, joined the Utah National Guard when he was 17. At 18 was called to active duty in 1950 and sent to Korea with his heavy-artillery battalion.

"We saw a lot of action in the Korean War during 1950 and 1951," Jensen said. He spent time near the 38th Parallel, just above Seoul. He was a sergeant first class when he was discharged.

Keeping the brotherhood close to his heart, Jensen joined the Korean War Veterans chapter in Carson City five years ago. He has been vice president and currently is the treasurer.

"They are a great group of guys," he said.

"We've helped with the services flag project at Lone Mountain Cemetery, worked with the Nevada Department of Transportation for two years to install memorial highway signs for the last five wars along the Memorial Highway east of Hawthorne, and worked with the Carson City Parks and Recreation Department to build and establish the Korean War Veterans Memorial Park at the east end of Fifth Street, which was dedicated May 30."

The veterans group has memorial bricks for sale which recognize a Korean War veteran's military service. The bricks are sold for $50. After they are engraved, they are displayed at the park.

"We had such great support from Parks and Rec throughout the project. We were done - from start to finish - in about six months. We invite everyone to visit the park. It's really nice."

The Jensens are also active with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Val was bishop of Carson City's First Ward for five years.

"Now I help Donna with her art - she's a noted glass artist. I'm her go-fer guy. I also like to go to the gym every day, play golf and tennis when I can, and worry about the grandkids."

Jensen said he and Donna like to travel when time permits. They have visited Russia, Scandinavia, China, Europe, Australia and Brazil.

-- Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.