Today we’d like to introduce you to Reggie Henderson.
Hi Reggie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Ft. Pierce, FL to Reginald Henderson Sr. and Theresa Hudson. I was raised by my grandparents until I was six years old until I moved to Gray, GA to be with my mother. I am the oldest of four on my mother’s side and I’m the second the oldest on my father’s side. Being the oldest and living with my mother, I knew I had to be the big brother and son to assist my mother with everything. Growing up my mother was in an abusive relationship with my sibling’s father so I experienced violence and abuse at a very young age. However, instead of confining to what I was going through I decided play sports. I played football, basketball, baseball and ran track until I graduated high school. After graduating high school in 2004, I enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces member. While enlisted I was stationed at Lackland AFB, TX, Barksdale AFB, LA, Aviano AB, Italy, F.E. Warren AFB, WY, and Robins AFB, GA. I have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Horn of Africa Enduring Freedom. I’ve experienced everything from RPG attacks to small-arms fire, etc. While being in the military, we learn to adapt, overcome, and rely on your fellow Airmen.
However in some cases, those relationships are short-lived. I’ve longed for a true brotherhood that valued community and veterans, which led me to Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc. I joined Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc. on 31 August 2019. This organization strives to support and eradicate veteran homelessness and support and provide resources to local and veteran communities. I joined this organization because my wife is part of a Military Spouses Sorority by the name of Phi Nu Alpha Military Spouses Sorority, Inc. I became President of Royal Court Theta in Jan 2021. Since being in this organization, I have grown and matured even more as an individual. I’ve always been a humble and mature individual. However, getting to know my fellow brothers and hearing similar stories of combating PTSD and other disabilities brings me the comfort and brotherhood I longed for and wanted. Today, I am recently retired from the Air Force and alongside my brothers of Mu Beta Phi, I contunously strive to advocate, educate, and support veterans and their families. It is also important for us to strengthen our local and veteran communities by participating in community service events and help broadening our knowledge of our local and veteran communities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I think everyone has experienced some sort of obstacle(s) in life that makes them the person they are. I’ve experienced abuse, neglect, violence, poverty, etc. However, I had to make the determination to either accept it and dawn my life in the negative or turn the negative into a positive. Choosing the latter, I am continuing to improve my life by not accepting the status quo. I give all praise and worship to our heavenly father because without him nothing would be possible. He often takes us through harsh things only to polish us so we shine brighter than the stars.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an active-duty Air Force member. I specialize in weapons, security of vital national assets, and the protection and safeguarding of nuclear weapons and components. My life and upbringing is one thing I am most proud of. It hasn’t always been easy, but my upbringing taught me to always put God first and remain humble. Additionally, I was raised to give your all in everything you do because your name is attached to it. I take extreme pride in my name because it was a gift given to me that I don’t take lightly. As a man, I believe my dedication, honesty, and my word sets me apart from others. When I dedicate myself, you rest assured I’m all in. If I say I’m going to do something, it’s going to get done.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I don’t necessarily view myself as a risk taker, however, I have taken risks. I’ve taken risks on deployments and taken risks in life in general. I believe without taking risks, you won’t know what it’s like to fail. Without knowing failure, you wouldn’t know how to get back up and try again.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mbphikings2017.org
- Instagram: mubetaphi_rc_theta
- Facebook: Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc.
- Other: www.phinualpha2020.org
