When Lance Cpl. Jeffrey DeYoung of Muskegon, MI was crossing rivers in Afghanistan he would carry bomb-sniffing dog Cena through the rushing waters.
During cold nights in the desert, Cena would keep DeYoung warm.
When DeYoung was under heavy fire from the Taliban, DeYoung threw his body over Cena to protect him. And Cena returned the favor by comforting DeYoung after he lost seven of his friends to war over the span of three weeks.
DeYoung and Cena became best friends while serving in the U.S. Marines for six months until they were separated without getting to say goodbye. They spent four years, one month, and eight days apart.
But they were reunited once again. The two of them continued to fight personal battles together while transitioning into civilian life.
“Over the past year and half, this dog, this brother of mine, has sat with me through a divorce, through homelessness, through missed jobs, my PTSD strikes and waking up in my bathtub crying,” Jeffery DeYoung said at a Veterans Day ceremony at Muskegon Community College according to Michigan Live. “He’s always been through that. I can’t think of any other friends that have.”
They had three years, one month, and three weeks together. But that was the end of their time together. That’s because the 10-year-old black lab was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer.
DeYoung noticed that Cena became unable to put all his weight on his front left leg. But at that point, nothing could be done for the dog.
He was in extreme pain and heavily medicated. The only answer was to give him peace by euthanization. So, DeYoung decided to give his “brother” a proper send-off fit for a U.S. Marine veteran.
“Words cannot convey what I’m feeling and thinking. I want to run away and not face what I must do,” DeYoung wrote in a Facebook post on his final night with Cena. “But he needs me to be strong and set him free. He has blessed my life with love and admiring. Because of him, I got to have a family. Because of him, I was able to live. May God forgive me for what I do tomorrow. And may the Lord greet you with open arms and a nice ear scratch.Goodnight my friend, goodbye my brother. May you rest your head tonight knowing how loved you are and how dearly you will be missed.”
Cena’s send-off included a ride in a topless Jeep Wrangler while country music played while Cena felt the wind on his face. Cena and DeYoung’s Jeep was followed by a Jeep convoy.
A convoy of Patriot Guard Riders came from around the state to stand in a silent flag line in honor of Cena’s service.
A celebration of life and military ceremony was held which included the playing of “Taps” in Cena’s honor. That ceremony was organized by the U.S. Marine Corps League.
Source: Dade County Polic Benevolent Association
A police-escorted convoy ride followed Cena and DeYoung on board of the USS LST 393 where Cena was euthanized while Taps played.
DeYoung said the ceremony was fitting for the friend who helped through tough times even after the war had ended.
“He truly deserved it all the love and support people are giving him, he can see it and he can feel it,” Cena told WOOD TV8.
You can watch Cena’s last ride in the video below.
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