Disclaimer:
The contents herein are presented
as is without copy write
protection, it probably violates
someone’s rights, and is
completely offensive to worms.
Parental discretion is advised…
G Rated for all audiences
Born 19 Aug 1964
Knock! Knock!!
In 1982 Darren Hensley
graduated High School as C
student. His instructors felt he
probably wouldn’t amount to
much…
“Oh $h!& !! This was higher than I thought.
This is going to hurt!!” Alpha-Beta Loading
dock, Lancaster Ca, DEP, 1982
Darren enlisted in the USAF
9 Mar 1982,
graduated Basic Training
26 Feb 1983,
and graduated Airframe Repair
Technical Training
17 June 1983.
He was a C student and his
instructors said he wouldn’t amount
to much…
Ugly, 105 Lbs, crooked nose, bad attitude, no sense
of humor. Yup a Prophylactic Poster Child! Not to
mention those ears could support more than that
hat. Lackland AFB Tx, 1983
In his first year assigned to the
th
4449 MOBSS, Holloman AFB
NM, Darren far exceeded the
expectations of his supervisors.
Receiving high praise and no less
than 5 letters of appreciation
Darren found time to take a
break…
Bonito Lake Dam, 10 lbs heavier, receding
hair line, same ugly mug, Sierra Blanca NM,
1984
Having been assigned to a
Mobility squadron Darren was
selected as a primary deployment
team member. Darren went TDY
only three times. His supervisors
found him to be too valuable for
home base operations to release
him TDY…
Passport Photo or Mug shot, you be the judge!
Holloman AFB NM, SrA, 1986
Darren soon accelerated his OJT
and 5 Level upgrade to become
one of the most valuable members
of the Structural Repair and
Inspection (SRI) section. Darren
found more time to take a
break…
“Take off your hat indoors” Home at last
Lancaster Ca, 1986
White Sands “Bunny Hop! More like a geek
hop!!” NM, SrA, 1986
Darren’s ability shot him to the
top of the food chain within his
section. His supervisors
suggested he select choice tasks
and high level maintenance to
give him a challenge…
Yes it’s true, Darren does walk on water.
Here’s proof! Bonita Lake, Sierra Blanca NM,
SrA, 1986
Darren was soon completing 7
level tasks without batting an eye.
He received many more letters
recognizing his talent and skill.
His supervisors recommended
him for a self imposed job, setting
his own hours and completing a
task worthy of full recognition…
Vroom, Vroom!! “You can’t go any where until you
get it off the center stand dummy!!” 4449th
MOBSS, Holloman AFB NM, Buck Sgt, 1987
Darren took the challenge, set in
motion a plan, and achieved his
greatest accomplishment. He
single handedly constructed a
model of a Bare Base measuring
8ft x 12ft, encased in glass. He
donated this model to his base…
Bare Base Model preposition with TSgt
Larson, Post Dedication, 4449 MOBSS,
Holloman AFB, SSgt, 1988
Darren was recognized with an
Achievement Medal for
distinctive accomplishment. It
took 18 Months, 16 to18 hours a
day, 7 days a week with no
breaks to reach his ambitious
goal… Yet he found time to take
another break…
The Hobby Connection
RC Car raceway
“Hey!!! Who gave the
big mouth a
microphone”
Alamogordo,
Holloman AFB NM,
SSgt, 1988
Not satisfied with his production the Air
Force demanded more from less…
Mini Bare Base Model 1988
Mini Bare Base Model 1989
Only 5 were ever made. The recipient list is
short…
1st Col Ira L. Hester, 4449 MOBSS CC
2nd B. Gen. James S. Allen, 833rd AD CC
3rd CMSgt Charles McKenna, 4449 MOBSS
Fab Branch Chief
4th B. Gen John F. Miller, 49 FW CC
and Darren
given under the hand of
B.Gen John F. Miller
Darren was still young and
needed some refinement, he had
been promoted, so he was sent to
school…
NCO Leadership School Graduation, “better
luck next time Darren” 4449th MOBSS,
Holloman AFB NM, SSgt, 1988
Darren was further recognized as
a real “Make it Happen” troop.
He was given a prime TDY
assignment. Very few personnel
were given this opportunity of a
lifetime…
Wadi Kenya AB Egypt
4401st Combat Support Squadron
(Provisional)
US CENTAF, 9th AF
Center Row behind the babe, guess why she’s
smiling? 4401st CSS(P) Wadi Kenya Egypt,
SSgt, 1989
Blue Hat week, Wadi Kenya AB Egypt,
Coronet Aspen, 1989 “Hey Darren heard you
gained 20 lbs but lost more hair.”
Wadi Kenya AB Egypt, Coronet Aspen,
1989 blue hat good bye water down,
Darren’s the wet one in the middle.
To the beat of Lee Greenwoods “Proud to be an
American” and Kick and two and kick… Wadi
Kenya AB Egypt, Coronet Aspen, 1989
Upon his return, Darren was
recognized for his outstanding
performance with another
Achievement Medal…
Capt Gomez presents Air Force Achievement
Medal 1st OLC 4449 MOBSS, Holloman AFB
NM, SSgt, 1989
His supervisors wrestling with Darren’s
thirst for challenge, assigned him the
task of compiling a database of Harvest
Bare/Falcon assets in garrison and
deployed. He began his adventure into
the computer age joining the deployment
support team. A bold task, he concurred
it and became renowned for his talent
with technology, The recognition keeps
adorning him…
LtCol Hill presents Air Force Achievement
Medal 2nd OLC 49 BBSG, Holloman AFB
NM, SSgt, 1989
Darren finds yet more time to
take a break…
ANTS Model Rail Road Show, “Take off your
hat indoors you dummy!” Lots-A-Shops,
Alamogordo, Holloman AFB NM, SSgt, 1989
ANTS Model Rail Road Show, “There’s that
hat again” Lots-A-Shops, Alamogordo,
Holloman AFB NM, SSgt, 1990
Ambitious for another great
opportunity Darren expands his
resume’ and completes a pre
Desert Shield TDY at Sheppard
AFB Texas. From humble
beginnings come great
expectations…
Award winning teardown and repack crew,
and Darren too, 2nd from left. Operation
Desert Storm, SA, 4404th CSS(P), SSgt, 1990
“It’s Dark out, I’m using a flash, and he’s got
his shades on!, Get off your duff and get to
work lazy bones” ODS KSA, SSgt, 1991
Sirsink Iraq?!?? I knew I should have
took that left turn in Albuquerque”
Operation Provide Comfort, SSgt, 1991
Once again upon his return
Darren is praised for his
incredible drive to accomplish
the mission…
During his deployment to the
desert, Darren lead record
breaking teams in setup,
operation, teardown and
redeployment of Harvest Bare
and Harvest Falcon Assets…
LtCol Miller presents The Kuwait Liberation Medal
(SA), and the Air Force Commendation Medal, 49th
BBSS Holloman AFB NM, SSgt, 1991 “Hey he’s
awake for this one.”
Still looking for a real challenge Darren
becomes the 49th Bare Base Systems
Group Technical Integration manager. No
stranger to the career field Darren soon
makes high level decisions affecting
mission accomplishment for the group.
He is in charge of over 1.5 million dollars
of network and small computer
equipment…
Technical Integration NCOIC “I can program this
computer with one hand tied to my …” 49th BBSG,
Holloman AFB NM, SSgt, 1991
Presented with the prospect of becoming
an all around person, Darren was
recognized with a cash award for his
accomplishments as an outstanding
bowler on the squadron bowling team.
Further more his contribution clinched
the capture of the commanders trophy
for the 49th BBSG…
Bill Townsend presents a Bowling Award “Hey
Darren I lost my hair too! Don’t feel bad.”,
Holloman AFB NM, SSgt, 1991
Always clowning around with his co-workers, they
tease him about his pioneering roots. Logistics
Flight 49 BBSS, Holloman AFB, NM 1993
Darren exhausted his opportunities to excel
within the 49th BBSG by completing lengthy
tours as Squadron Special Projects NCOIC,
Category 1 Structures Erection Course Master
Instructor, Master plaque maker and
engravings pioneer as NCOIC of the
commanders recognition program, and
culminated as NCOIC Technical Integration.
He was decorated for his outstanding
accomplishments…
LtCol Miller (ZzzZzzzZ) presents Air Force
Commendation Medal 2nd OLC, 49 BBSS,
Holloman AFB NM, SSgt, 1995
Darren finds time to volunteer in the local
community. Giving over 1200 hours and
$400.00 to the Toy Train Depot. Darren
made a deep impression on the museum
patrons and, it made the news…
“More like
bonus retards.
The Basins
Worst”
TTD volunteer
of the month
Alamogordo
NM.
Darren was reassigned to the
th
9 Fighter Squadron Holloman
AFB NM, with an elite group of
personnel challenged with the
maintenance of the worlds
premiere attack aircraft,
The F-117 Nighthawk…
Back Row 5th from left
9th FS Martian, SSgt, 1996
Having a dynamic personality
and enthusiastic outlook Darren
became a candidate for
recruiting…
“So you wanna be a recruiter huh?” “Nope I
wanna be a Martian!” Recruiting package
photo, Holloman AFB NM, SSgt, 1995
Darren continued his vigilance
for the mission. He discovered a
critical error within the tail
section of an F-117. His actions
saved the aircraft from certain
failure and the possible loss of
the asset and it’s crew, he was
recognized for his heroism…
Presentation of the Quarterly Safety Award, NCO
Category, 9th FS, Holloman AFB NM, SSgt 1996 “Hey
Darren do you want a medal or a chest to pin it on?”
Appling for a high profile job within the
world of stealth brought an unexpected
change and reward to Darren. The award
of his forth Air Force Achievement
Medal, and his reassignment to
Whiteman AFB MO. Home of the B-2
Bomber. Upon his arrival he met with
the Wing Commander and discussed
major issues concerning the B-2 Spirit…
General Goslin @ the BX “Hey pilots don’t wear
train engineers caps!!?! And train engineers don’t
wear flight jackets, just which one are you?”
Whiteman AFB MO, SSgt 1997
Darren always looking for a
challenge, dove right in by
applying for and accepting a job
as a computer systems technician
within the local community…
Computer Services? What a Geek! Get a real job!
Geez what a shine, put your hat back on!!
Computer Services of Warrensburg Mo, 1999
His knowledge and popularity
growing, Darren opens his own
business; H-10-K Enterprises. He
begins working for himself within
the Whiteman community area.
He assembled a clientele of over
7 major accounts and 250 area
residents and business workers…
Always on the job!, Whiteman AFB, TSgt
1999, “Yes dad I’ll fix your CPU when I’m on
leave, I’ll drive the train to get there.”
His computer talents go mostly
unused during the year 2000 then
he is placed into the
Organizational Computer
Managers position and given the
opportunity to excel…
The Hensley Virus in it’s native
environment!, 509th MXS, TSgt, 2001
The Hensley Virus with his new intelligence
deflector belt. It glows when it’s working
“I swear Sir it’s not infected with
the Hensley Virus!!!”
After a short tour as Squadron
Security Manager, Darren was
returned to his section to
continue his tradition of driving
to meet mission requirements…
Say we’ve seen this before!!!
Where’s your sunglasses???
The SAS “Hey Darren are you pretending to work
again?” 509th MXS Structural Maintenance,
Whiteman AFB MO, TSgt, 2001 NSI Prep
Darren still finds time to relax and play
with his toy trains. In addition to his
business and contributing to the
squadron functions as team member of
the “B” bowling team achieving 4th place
over all, and giving time to the Big
Brothers and Big Sisters organization,
Darren finds the time to care for his pet
cat…
His cat Glitch after his flying lesson “Oh great is he
going to throw me again? What a dumb @$$!, Go
ahead and break my other leg!!”
KnobNoster, Whiteman AFB MO, 2002
Darren nearing the finish of his
carrer, reflects on his proud and
selfless commitment to his
country. His supervisors, nearing
the ends of their ropes,
contemplate how to get this mad
man out of their way so they can
get the job done…
Darren’s final recognition
remains a legacy to the career he
gave. With the advent of the
CPMS database, Deployment
Support database, and the Bare
Base Model, Darren’s name will
live on into the future of the Air
Force yet to come…
Just how to pigeon hole this stuff is yet to be
discovered. But I’m sure the Air Force will
come up with some method…
“Maybe no one will notice this here…”
Bare Base Model home 833rd AD Building 1988-1990
So in conclusion it may be said
that Darren’s instructors were
right. Darren didn’t amount to
much, however his career
speaks for itself.
List of Assignments:
4707th BMTS, Lackland AFB Tx, Feb 83
361st Trng Grp, Chanute Ill, Mar-Jun 83
4449th MOBSS Holloman NM, Jul 83-90
49th BBSG Holloman NM, Jul 93-94
49th BBSS Holloman NM, Jul 90-93
49th MMG Holloman NM, Jul 94
9th FS Holloman NM, Jul 94- Mar 97
509 MXS Whiteman Mo, Mar 97-Feb 02
Modern Air Force Shields of Darren’s Career
Days of Old Shields of Darren’s Early Career
Darren’s tier progression
1999
1988
1986
1985
1984
1983
Photos contributed
by
Darren Hensley
Script written
by
Darren Hensley
Narration written
by
Darren Hensley
Apparel
by
Darren Hensley
and the
United States Air Force
and Ger-animals
Shot entirely on location
by
Darren Hensley
the USAF
Family members and Friends
A bunch of hack amateurs.
Proofing Staff
and also the guinea pig audience
Mike Boyles
Tony Stotler
Denise Bedard
Tim O’Malley
Scott Lique’
Special thanks to
the men and women of
4449th BBSG, 509th BW, and
The United States Air Force
for making all this possible.
Key grip and Best Boy
Darren Hensley
Executive Producer
Darren Hensley
Produced
by
Darren Hensley
Directed
by
Darren Hensley
In Memory of
Doris Hensley, Beloved mother and wife 1946 - 2000