KANSAS CITY, Mo. –
It’s not every day that you come across a military member who has served in three branches of the armed forces. There are some who have converted from one branch to another, but, it is a bit more uncommon for a service member to have served as a United States Marine, an Army Reserve Soldier, and, a Navy Reserve Sailor.
Logistics Specialist Second Class Lyle Henderson, a Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Kansas City Selected Reserve Sailor, has done just that.
A native of Raymore, Missouri, Henderson started his military service in March of 2009, when he joined the United States Marine Corps. After nearly five years, Henderson honorably discharged, and in January of 2014, he enlisted into the Army Reserve. In October of 2018, with the knowledge and experience he’d gained from his prior service, Henderson joined the Navy Reserve.
“I was an infantryman in the Marine Corps,” said Henderson. “I did four deployments within a four-year span. I’m an OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) combat veteran.”
“I joined the Army Reserve to be closer to home,” Henderson continued. “They saw so much potential in me, so I was sent to a bunch of schools, and given lots of assigned duties. Then, I was told by a couple of my friends about some of the opportunities and benefits that the Navy offers, which is why I joined.”
Over the span of his military career, Henderson has held multiple job titles, including infantry platoon sergeant in the Marine Corps, and squad leader in the Army Reserve. Currently, Henderson is mobilized with a Navy Reserve operational support unit at Camp Lemonnier, in Djibouti, Africa. He is assigned as the Supply department Cargo Assets leading petty officer.
“We serve as the logistics support center here,” said Henderson. “We provide expeditionary support, coordinate with ships, port, and air operations to supply fleet cargo to assets operating in our AOR (area of responsibility).”
Now on his fifth military deployment, Henderson expressed a sense of pride in the experiences and professional knowledge he has gained over the course of the 12 years he has served.
“I like how I am still able to contribute to my country,” said Henderson. “I have had many jobs, with diverse experiences. The leadership development and readiness training I’ve received in the service has helped me to become a more effective service member and leader. It has taught me discipline, organizational skills, and to always accomplish the mission.”