TOP PHOTO: Prior to Thursday’s Veterans Day ceremony, Air Force Veteran Rich Henry takes in the memorial brick display.

(Retired) Air Force First Sgt. Rich Henry took time to visit with WLAF on Veterans Day.

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Make no mistake; Rich Henry is a military man. He was in attendance and is at most local military ceremonies like the one held on the lawn of the Campbell County Courthouse on Thursday.

The Crossville native has made his home in Caryville the past 11 years and still spends some time on his farm in Cumberland County.

Around 1970, Henry was a member of the Tennessee Army National Guard at Crossville and was having difficulty finding a fulltime job. “So, I signed up for the Air Force and never looked back,” said Henry. And so it began, his 24 year career with the Air Force.

He served as a drill instructor and first sergeant. “In all, I had 10 assignments. They were all good, and I volunteered for all but one,” said Henry.

Some of the stops Rich Henry had along the way were Japan, Germany, England, California, Texas, Georgia and Nebraska. His first tour of duty was Japan where he provided support during the Vietnam War.

Though he says he’s retired, there’s not much proof. It’s been 27 years since his Air Force retirement. However, he’s hardly slowed down. After the Air Force, he spent 12 years with the Tennessee State Guard all the while being a beef farmer and real estate agent. He’s been an Emergency Medical Technician with VitalCare Medical Transportation for the past 11 years.

Henry served as a drill instructor and first sergeant. “In all, I had 10 assignments. They were all good, and I volunteered for all but one,” added Henry.

He and his wife, Sharon Richardson Henry, split time between their homes in Caryville and Crossville.

Thank you for your service, First Sgt. Henry. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/12/2021-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

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