3 minute read
A MAN FOR ALL REASONS
FEATURE
STORY
A MAN FOR ALL REASONS
VOICE S
Aman for all reasons. That’s Brandon Henson.
Henson, who graduated from A-State in 2006 with a degree in sports management, loves life and that is reflected in his university, his jobs and his family.
He has had careers as a major league baseball umpire, as a coordinator of operations at Hard Rock Stadium for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League, and now is in his most important life’s role in the military as a member of the United States Air Force Honor Guard. The main mission of the Honor Guard is service at Arlington National Cemetery, which overlooks Washington, D.C.
Henson and an elite group of fellow soldiers hold the solemn responsibility of escorting the remains of deceased service personnel, dependents, and senior and national leaders to their gravesites.
But Henson got sidetracked and followed a different path that led to another profession he’s always been interested in.
“When I was at Arkansas State, I did a little umpiring for side money,” Henson continued. “I never thought it would turn into anything. I found out about an umpire school and went there right after graduation. They took 20 applicants and I did that job from 2007-15. It was great, but I never thought of it as a full-time career. I started to lose interest.”
Shortly after, Henson secured a position with the Miami Dolphins in the director of operations office. But, the lure of enlisting into the military still lingered in the back of his mind, so he decided to join in 2018. He had to lose 30 pounds of his football-playing weight and go through an extensive medical examination.
That’s when he became a member of the Honor Guard. He applied for a position and 10 pallbearers were selected from 1,200 applicants. The group’s intense training led to Henson serving in 900 ceremonies in four years.
Henson said that visiting Arlington National Cemetery as a civilian taught him one important thing — life is fast. “It has taught me to slow down. Time is so important. When you leave the cemetery, you just enjoy life.”
He has very much enjoyed the position in which he now serves. It has afforded opportunities to go to the White House, attend parties and Christmas events. He has met dignitaries, prime ministers, Democrats and Republicans.
Henson credits his family and A-State for support. It was inevitable that he would attend Arkansas State and play football for the Red Wolves.
“I grew up with divorced parents. And, it meant a lot to me to go to Arkansas State,” the alumnus emphasized. My grandfather attended school there along with two aunts, one uncle, my dad and a lot of cousins. There were probably 14 family members who went there. Going there is a huge deal for my dad. He wears something A-State every day. It was a match made in heaven.” Henson also praises several people who made a difference in his life during his academic stay. He has high regards for Dr. Kim Hester, professor of management in the Neil Griffin College of Business, along with former head football coach Steve Roberts. Henson adds, “He gave me a chance and was very kind.”
The former player adds another former football coach, Tate Behne, made a major impact on Henson’s life.
As a result, Henson was named “Most Improved Offensive Player” for the Red Wolves in 2006 and also was chosen to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
