NOSC HOUSTON NAVY RESERVIST SELECTED REDCOM SOUTHEAST SAILOR OF THE YEAR

By MC1 Jerry Mullins

Legalman First Class Harrold Henck has been selected Navy Reserve Readiness Command (REDCOM) Southeast Sailor of the Year.
“I am truly humbled by my selection as REDCOM SOY,” Henck said. “I can’t imagine a greater honor in my Navy career.”
Petty Officer Henck, a reservist with Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Houston, was chosen REDCOM Southeast SOY from among 28 Reserve Center Sailors of the Year from the Southeast District.
REDCOM Southeast’s area includes reserve commands in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico.
As REDCOM Southeast Sailor the Year, Henck will compete with five Sailors of the Year from the other Readiness Commands from across the nation for the honor of Reserve Sailor of the Year.
Henck is Leading Petty Officer for his unit, Operational Support Unit (OSU). The reservists attached to OSU are tasked with supporting the NOSC’s mission through administration support, watch standing, I.D. cards and funeral honor detail. It is Henck’s duty to supervise over 60 sailors who comprise OSU and ensure that the support mission of the unit is fulfilled.
Senior Chief Electrician’s Mate (SS) Michael Gibbons, Henck’s Leading Chief Petty Officer said that as LPO, Henck is an inspiring motivator and trainer who ensures junior officers and enlisted sailors reach their highest level of growth and development.
“LN1 truly cares for every sailor in his unit,” Gibbons said. “He gives freely of his time to ensure his sailors are well taken care of. Petty Officer Henck is a true advocate for all.”
Petty Officer Henck, a Galveston, Tex. native, is a public school educator who has taught social studies and German language courses. He joined the Navy Reserves in 2000 as a Navy Journalist.
Henck noted two men in his life who had a strong influence on his desire to serve in the Navy.
“My grandfather served in the South Pacific during World War II,” Henck said, “and my great uncle was aboard USS Missouri at the Japanese surrender in 1945.”
During Henck’s years in Navy public affairs, he contributed articles to Naval Aviation News, Navy Reserve News, and assisted with media training and press conferences for Naval War College students.
Since his assignment to OSU ten years ago, Henck has served the Houston Reserve Center as Public Affairs Officer and, having earned the Instructor NEC, has taught Petty Officer Indoctrination and General Military Training to reserve center sailors.
CAPT McKinney, commanding officer of OSU, said that when Petty Officer Henck first reported to the unit, he challenged Henck to be extremely proactive and actively seek out as much responsibility as he could handle.
“He took those words to heart and in a very short amount of time not only assumed the unit duties as the LPO but has become a very impressive leader,” the captain said. “I have never been prouder of any individual under my command.”
Two years ago, Henck converted to Legalman and attended the 6-week Legalman school. He has since assisted his NOSC with Administrative Separation efforts and has provided command legal assistance in cooperation with JAG officers.
His Legalman billet is with U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany where he serves on a joint forces legal team responsible for military justice and rules of engagement in theater-wide exercises.
Henck’s journalism skills are still serving him well as a Legalman. He currently serves as the Reserve Enlisted Public Affairs Liaison for Vice Admiral Steven Talson at Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG) and has written articles related to the military legal field for Navy Reservist News and JAG Magazine.
Petty Officer Henck resides in Galveston, Tex., and is active with several community and civic groups, including the American Legion and the Galveston County Historical Commission.


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