Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Hoffert | LTC Roger Henschel Retires After 36 Years of Service... read more read more
For more than 36 years, Lt. Col. Roger F. Henschel shouldered the responsibilities that come with the uniform of the U.S. Army, serving Montana at home and the nation wherever duty called. Over those decades, he trained and mentored Soldiers, supported missions at home, deployed overseas, and helped prepare others when their communities or country needed them. From his beginnings as an enlisted Soldier to his eventual service as an officer, Henschel dedicated much of his adult life to something larger than himself. His career reflects the unique commitment of the Citizen-Soldier: serving neighbors here at home, defending the nation abroad, and strengthening the Soldiers who will carry that responsibility forward.
Over those decades, Henschel served in units and assignments across Montana, commanded Soldiers during a deployment to Afghanistan, and spent years supporting the ranges, facilities, training, and operations that keep Montana Soldiers ready. Much of that work happens far from the spotlight, but its impact reaches well beyond a single Soldier or unit. Every maintained training area, successful mission, prepared formation, and Soldier sent safely home contributes to a ready and lethal Montana National Guard. Henschel’s Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Badge, and numerous other honors recognize parts of that journey, but the greater legacy is found in the people and organization he leaves stronger because he served.
Behind Henschel throughout that journey stood his wife, Ericka, and his children, Hunter, Shaylee, Haydin, and Haleigh. Like so many military families, they gave their own time and made their own sacrifices so their Soldier could continue to serve others. Friends, fellow Soldiers, and loved ones also became part of that journey, offering encouragement and friendship through the many chapters of a career spent in service. As Henschel prepares to step away from the Army, their presence is a reminder that while one Soldier may wear the uniform, a lifetime of service is never completed by one person alone.
Story and Pictures Courtesy of 1889th BDE Public Affairs.
| Date Taken: | 08.09.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.09.2026 10:54 |
| Story ID: | 571922 |
| Location: | BUTTE, MONTANA, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Soldier for Life: LTC Roger Henschel Retires After 36 Years of Service, by SFC Christopher Hoffert, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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