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 4449th 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 CC2nd 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 CCand 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 Egypt4401st 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 9th 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 left9th 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 83361st 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 949th 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
1983
1984
1985
1986
1988
1999
Photos contributedby
Darren Hensley
Script writtenby
Darren Hensley
Narration writtenby
Darren Hensley
Apparel by
Darren Hensley and the
United States Air Forceand Ger-animals
Shot entirely on locationby
Darren Hensleythe USAF
Family members and FriendsA bunch of hack amateurs.
Proofing Staff and also the guinea pig audience
Mike BoylesTony Stotler
Denise BedardTim O’MalleyScott 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 BoyDarren Hensley
Executive ProducerDarren Hensley
Producedby
Darren Hensley
Directed by
Darren Hensley
In Memory of
Doris Hensley, Beloved mother and wife 1946 - 2000