Tyler J. Jensen

Few Utah National Guard officers have combined distinguished military service with a successful civilian legal career as effectively as First Lieutenant Tyler J. Jensen. A combat leader in Afghanistan, recipient of the Silver Star, and founding attorney of one of northern Utah’s prominent law firms, Jensen’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, public service, and helping others through both military and civilian professions.

Early Life and Education

Tyler J. Jensen grew up in Utah, where he developed an interest in public service, leadership, and the law.

He pursued higher education at Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Russian in 1999. He later attended the University of Wisconsin Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor in 2003 before returning to Utah, passing the bar and starting to practice. He was later admitted to practice in Wisconsin, Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico.

Like many members of the National Guard, Jensen balanced civilian ambitions with military service. He accepted a commission in the Utah Army National Guard while establishing himself as an attorney, preparing for what would become one of the defining moments of his life.

Military Service

Jensen became a citizen soldier in the Utah Army National Guard. The Utah Army National Guard currently has approximately 5,500 assigned personnel. Jensen served as an officer in the Utah Army National Guard’s 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). During the Global War on Terror, the Guard’s Special Forces Soldiers were heavily engaged in Afghanistan, where they frequently worked alongside Afghan military units in isolated and dangerous regions.

In 2006, Jensen deployed to Afghanistan as part of an Embedded Transition Team (ETT). These small advisory teams lived, trained, and fought alongside the Afghan National Army. Unlike conventional American units, ETTs often operated with limited manpower while mentoring Afghan soldiers under combat conditions. The mission required tactical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to inspire confidence among Afghan forces still learning to operate independently.

Joint Task Force PHOENIX

The Utah National Guard was in Afghanistan in 2006-7 as part of Joint Task Force Phoenix. Its mission was to work with the Afghanistan National Security Forces. It was a year-long effort to train, equip, and mentor Afghan National Security Forces. Members of the

multinational command operated from over 90 forward operating bases, overseeing logistics and embedding directly with local units to help build a self-sustaining Afghan military and police force.

The Department of Defense recognizes the accomplishments of that widespread and long-term effort:

• The ANA grew by 6 Battalions, resulting in 7,382 additional Afghan Soldiers
• Assisted in the planning and execution of over 100 major named operations with the ANSF
• Established a Counter Improvised Explosive Device team that trained thousands of Afghan soldiers and policemen
• $39 million obligated through the Commander’s Emergency Response Program to build roads, schools, clinics, dig wells, etc. to improve living conditions for the Afghan people
• Over 1,250 tons of humanitarian assistance aid delivered to women, children, schools and orphanages, an average of approximately 150 tons per month
• CJTF-P also conducted hundreds of humanitarian assistance and civil medical assistance operations in conjunction with ANSF, improving quality of life for ordinary Afghans while enhancing the bonds between the people, ANSF, and their government

Combat in Afghanistan

The most significant action of Jensen’s military career occurred on January 27, 2007, in Afghanistan’s Uruzgan Province. Jensen’s team was conducting a reconnaissance patrol with Afghan National Army soldiers when they were attacked by an estimated 100 Taliban fighters positioned in prepared defensive locations. The enemy initiated a coordinated ambush using small-arms fire, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenades. The opening moments of the engagement created chaos.

The Afghan commander fled the battlefield, leaving many Afghan soldiers leaderless and separated from the American advisors. Without immediate leadership, the patrol faced the possibility of being overwhelmed. Rather than withdrawing, Jensen assumed command of the Afghan soldiers.

Disregarding his own safety, he moved repeatedly through intense enemy fire to reorganize the scattered Afghan troops. He rallied them, restored discipline, and led them toward the American positions despite continuous attacks. During the battle, one American soldier was mortally wounded.

Jensen again exposed himself to enemy fire, helping recover and evacuate the wounded Soldier while directing suppressive fire against Taliban positions. Throughout the engagement, he demonstrated exceptional calm, repeatedly placing himself in exposed locations to coordinate both Afghan and American forces. His leadership transformed a potentially disastrous ambush into a successful defense.

Military officials later concluded that Jensen’s courage prevented the patrol from being destroyed and preserved the fighting capability of both American and Afghan forces. His actions exemplified the highest traditions of military leadership under fire.

The Silver Star

For his extraordinary heroism, Tyler J. Jensen received the Silver Star, America’s third-highest decoration for valor in combat. The award citation praised his conspicuous gallantry, fearless leadership, and complete disregard for personal safety while under heavy enemy fire.

The medal was presented during a ceremony in June 2008 by then Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. The Citation reads:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Tyler J. Jensen, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a member of the 19th Special Forces Group, while serving as a Company Embedded Transition Team Mentor with Weapons Company, 3d Kandak, 1st Brigade, 205th Corps, Afghan National Army, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDMOM in Afghanistan, on 27 January 2007. On that date, his combat reconnaissance patrol was ambushed by an estimated 100 anti-government forces in Sangaar, Uruzgon Province, Afghanistan. First Lieutenant Jensen repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to rally the Afghan National Army soldiers caught in the kill zone. He braved enemy fire to save a fellow Soldier who was wounded. His courage, superlative combat skills, and tactical leadership under overwhelming direct enemy fire were instrumental in preventing the enemy from overrunning his patrol. First Lieutenant Jensen’s heroic actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, Combined Joint Task Force PHOENIX, and the United States Army.

Despite the recognition, Jensen remained humble. He described receiving the Silver Star as “bittersweet,” explaining that the honor belonged equally to the soldiers with whom he served, especially those who did not return home. Among them was Second Lieutenant Scott Lundell, a fellow Utah National Guard officer who was killed in Afghanistan during the deployment.

Jensen emphasized that the ceremony reminded him more of sacrifice than personal accomplishment. “In many ways it’s a wonderful honor, but in others it’s really hard,” Jensen said at the medal ceremony. “So many of my fallen friends and Soldiers are not here.” His comments reflected the quiet professionalism for which many combat veterans are known.

Building a Legal Career

Following his deployment, Jensen continued building an impressive legal practice. He became one of the founding attorneys of LeBaron & Jensen, P.C., based in Layton, Utah. Over more than two decades of practice, he has established a reputation for representing clients in bankruptcy, real estate, landlord-tenant law, eviction proceedings, personal injury, and business litigation.

One of Jensen’s most recognized specialties is representing residential and commercial property owners. According to his firm’s biography, he represents more than 25,000 rental units (“doors”) throughout Utah and neighboring states. He has participated in thousands of court hearings, becoming one of northern Utah’s most experienced attorneys in eviction and property management law.

His practice also includes helping families experiencing financial hardship through bankruptcy proceedings. Clients and fellow attorneys frequently describe him as approachable, efficient, and deeply committed to achieving practical solutions. He has earned peer recognition, including selection as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, reflecting respect from other members of the legal profession. In addition to practicing law, Jensen served briefly as an adjunct instructor, sharing his legal knowledge with students while continuing his busy litigation schedule.

Family and Personal Life

Although Jensen has chosen to keep his personal life largely private, his firm’s biography notes that he enjoys outdoor activities including cycling and running. He and his wife are the parents of six children, and he has frequently spoken of the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with family life.

Those who know him describe a man who brings the same discipline and preparation to family and legal practice that characterized his military service.

Legacy

Tyler J. Jensen represents the citizen-soldier tradition that has long defined the National Guard. He answered his country’s call to combat, displayed extraordinary courage during one of Afghanistan’s most dangerous periods, and returned home to build a career dedicated to serving his community through the law.

His Silver Star recognizes a single day of exceptional heroism, but his broader legacy is one of sustained service. Whether mentoring Afghan soldiers under fire, rescuing wounded comrades, representing clients in Utah courtrooms, or raising a family, Jensen has consistently demonstrated integrity, resilience, and leadership.

His story illustrates that military valor does not end when the battlefield is left behind. Instead, it can continue through a lifetime devoted to justice, service, and the quiet fulfillment of duty.