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