H. B. Henderson (1915-2011)

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H. B. Henderson
(1915-2011)

Harry B. "Buzz" Henderson, Director Emeritus, 85, passed away Sunday, July 10, in Newport News, VA, after a long battle with multiple health issues including cancer. Buzz was a life member and first joined AFA in 1959. Over the years he held many chapter, state, and national offices including President of AFA Virginia, National Vice President of the Central East Region, and National Director.

Buzz and a number of classmates missed high school graduation ceremonies to join the armed services and fight in World War II. Buzz became a Naval Aviator and served in the Pacific Theatre flying Hellcats and Bearcats off the U.S.S. Shangri-La. After the war he attended the University of Southern California where he graduated with honors and served as president of his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta. Immediately after graduation in 1950, his Naval Reserve Squadron was called to active duty to serve in the Korean War. Flying off the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, 3-Air Combat Medals, and a Commendation Medal with Combat "V".

After his distinguished Naval service, he Joined Convair, a division of General Dynamics, as the assistant chief test pilot for the beautiful delta wing F-102 and F-106 built in San Diego, CA. A few years later he moved to Washington, D.C. as corporate manager of Aeronautical Systems for General Dynamics. In the late 60's, Buzz ran the Langley Field Office and supported the military and NASA operations on behalf of General Dynamics. After 37 years of service with General Dynamics, he retired in 1992.

Sadly, Buzz was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Diane, a few years ago and his wife, Geri, last year. He is survived by his son Scott, daughter, Kary Kay and stepdaughters, Jessica, Cathy, Mattie Ann, Frances and Teresa; eleven grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

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AFA is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association. Our mission is to promote a dominant United States Air Force and a strong national defense, and to honor Airmen and our Air Force Heritage. To accomplish this, we: EDUCATE the public on the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce to ensure U.S. national security. ADVOCATE for aerospace power and STEM education. SUPPORT the total Air Force family, and promote aerospace education.