Command Chief Henderson says farewell to the 940th after 24 years of service

  • Published
  • By SrA Adam Hamar
  • 940th Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Chief Master Sgt. Jason Henderson, 940th Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant, was honored during a retirement ceremony, Feb. 10, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., culminating 24 years of service with the 940th Wing.

During the past four years, Henderson held the position of senior enlisted advisor to the wing commander.

"Chief Henderson is the definition of command chief," said Colonel Kevin Cavanagh, 940th Wing Commander. "He has been a source of inspiration and direction for our enlisted forces. He will be missed."

Cavanagh thanked Henderson for his help resolving issues impacting the well-being of the enlisted force and their dependents, as well as for his efforts to advocate for and improve the wing's enlisted awards and recognition programs and professional military education.

After the formal part of the retirement ceremony, members of the wing presented the outgoing chief with mementos thanking him for the work he has done for the wing. One of the most unique gifts was a saber presented on behalf of the First Sergeants' Council.

"To the 'Shirts' - you are the catalyst in making things happen," said Henderson. "It was my distinct pleasure to serve as the command chief, and I appreciated the opportunity."

Following the retirement ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. Denny Brown was installed as the new 940th Wing's new command chief.

During the installment ceremony, the tradition of passing the hat and cane was observed. Originally a display regarded as the highest honor among enlisted members of England's Royal Air Force, this tradition has been adopted by the 940th Wing as a tradition among command chiefs.

Brown, who is leaving the position of Superintendent at the 940th Operations Group to fill the role of command chief, said he's looking forward to the opportunity to continue the legacy set forth by Chief Henderson and his predecessor.

"Colonel Battaglia, I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to move up here to the 940th at Beale," said Brown. "I'm truly honored to have the privilege of serving as the new wing command chief."