Steven Jensen attended Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., and prior to that, he was a chaplain and commander in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard a battleship and several submarines.

Jensen received several awards while in the Navy including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, as well as numerous ribbons including recognition for sharpshooters rifle and expert pistol.

In 1984, Jensen was selected as Military Officer of the Year for the Marine Corps Air Station in Kaneohe Bay. Jensen attended SUNY at Albany, upon graduating from Colonie Central High School, and graduated in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and German.