Sergeant Major Hensley reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina in August 1994 for basic training with 3rd Bn., Kilo Company, Platoon 3020. Following graduation Sergeant Major Hensley was assigned to S.O.I. East, Infantry Training Bn., Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for training as a 0311 Infantry Rifleman.
In February 1995, Private First Class Hensley was assigned to Golf Company, 2d Battalion, 2d Marines, 2d Marine Division and was promoted to Lance Corporal in May. He deployed with Golf Company as part of the 22d MEU in 1996 and conducted operations in support of Operations Joint Endeavor, Assured Response, and Quick Resolve.
In January 1997, Lance Corporal Hensley deployed with Golf Company to Panama as a rapid response security force detachment returning home in April. While deployed Lance Corporal Hensley was promoted to Corporal on 1 April 1997.
In May 1998, Corporal Hensley was promoted to Sergeant and deployed with Golf Company 2/2 as the 22d MEU in August. During this deployment he participated in Operation Resolute Resolve in Albania. While in Albania Sergeant Hensley received orders for Drill Instructor School Parris Island, S.C.
In July 1999, Sergeant Hensley reported to Drill Instructor School, Parris Island, South Carolina, upon graduation was assigned to Company “I”, Third Recruit Training Battalion. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant on Jan 2, 2002. While serving as a Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Hensley performed the billets of Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Close Combat Instructor.
In November 2002, SSgt Hensley reported to Marine Forces Pacific working for six months in the Command Center before transferring to 1st Battalion 3rd Marines on Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. In April 2003 SSgt Hensley deployed to Okinawa for 8 months with 1/3 for the Unit Deployment Program. The unit deployed to Iraq in Sep of 2004 and participated in “Operation Phantom Fury”. SSgt Hensley served as the Heavy Machine Gun Platoon Sergeant, C.A.A.T. Section Leader and Bravo Company Weapons Platoon Sergeant while stationed at 1st Battalion 3rd Marines.
In April 2005, SSgt Hensley was assigned to Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Parris Island, South Carolina as the Platoon Sergeant for Field Training Platoon. While at W&FTBn SSgt Hensley was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.
Gunnery Sergeant Hensley reported to 2d Tank Battalion in March of 2007 for duty as the Scout Platoon Sergeant. Gunnery Sergeant Hensley deployed with Scout Platoon for combat operations in Iraq in April of 2008 returning home in November. Gunnery Sergeant Hensley was promoted to First Sergeant in February 2009 and assigned to School Of Infantry East, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, Advanced Infantry Company.
1stSgt Hensley departed from AITC in November 2010 and reported for duty as the I-I Staff 1stSgt for I-I Staff, Lima Company, 3d Bn, 24th Marines, Johnson City, TN, later re-designated as India 3/25. 1stSgt Hensley served as I&I and Company 1stSgt until departing on PCS orders for 2d Law Enforcement Bn, CLNC.
On May 18, 2013 1stSgt Hensley reported to 2d LE Bn, CLNC for duty with Bravo Company as the Company 1stSgt. Shortly after, Bravo Company was assigned the mission of CENTCOM Customs, deploying in March 2014 and re-deployed on 23 Oct 2014. 1stSgt Hensley was selected for Sergeant Major on November 7, 2014 and promoted to Sergeant Major on December 8, 2014.
SgtMaj Hensley executed PCA orders to MALS-29, MAG-29, 2d MAW, MCAS New River on December 9, 2014 and assumed the duties as SgtMaj for MALS-29. SgtMaj Hensley remained with MALS 29 until Dec 15, 2016 when he executed orders to 2d ANGLICO to serve as the 2d ANGLICO SgtMaj. While with 2d ANGLICO the unit participated in several joint exercises. SgtMaj Hensley served with 2d ANGLICO until May 2018 when he PCS’d to HQTRS MCB Quantico, VA
SgtMaj Hensley’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Purple Heart medal with one gold star, Navy/Marine Corps commendation medal with two gold stars, Navy/Marine Corps achievement medal, Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and a Sea-Service Deployment Ribbon with one silver star and one bronze star.
SgtMaj Hensley has an Associate’s degree in General Studies and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership both from Columbia Southern University.