Major Peter Ward Henderson, (Retired)

Major Peter Ward Henderson, Retired, the only child of Marcellus Thomas Henderson, III and Margaret Ward Henderson, was born on February 16, 1947 in Manhattan, New York. He was baptized and reared in the Catholic faith. Major Henderson received his primary and secondary education in private and military schools in New York and completed his undergraduate studies in political science at Howard University, Washington, D.C. in 1978. While at Howard, he joined ROTC was also initiated into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Upon graduation from Howard University, he obtained the rank of officer in the U.S. Army, embarking on a distinguished military career spanning more than 20 years. He served two tours in the Marine Corps during the height of the Vietnam War, where he earned commendations that included a Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and numerous others. He retired from active duty in 1995 as a Major. Major Henderson began working for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 1994 while serving with the U.S. Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps in Haiti, as a member of the organization’s disaster assistance response team. His expertise in organizing complex logistics, forging relationships with global communities, and maintaining composure in crisis situations, combined with his deep commitment to public service, made him a highly effective humanitarian leader. After retiring from the Army, Major Henderson joined USAID in 1996 as a Team Leader for Operations Support, now known as the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. Over the course of his 28-year career with the agency, he held various pivotal roles, including in the Office of Civil-Military Cooperation (CMC). During his tenure in CMC, he served as the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Coordinator and Unit Security Officer. In doing so, he advanced USAID’s partnerships to build more stable and prosperous communities. Furthering his education, he earned a Master of Science degree from the National War College of the National Defense University in 2009. Major Henderson devoted his life to serving his country and humanity, often at great personal sacrifice. He placed himself in grave danger, endured separations from family and friends, and faced physical and mental hardships. His legacy of service did not reflect personal reward or recognition, rather the desire to protect others, uphold peace, and serve a higher purpose. He was an optimist, witty and engaging, and through thick and thin, thought about others first. Major Henderson departed this life on October 22, 2024 after battling cancer. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Lynne Evans, and his two sons, Evans Peter and Marcellus Thomas, IV, and a host of loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

Major Peter Ward Henderson, (Retired)

February 16, 1947 - October 22, 2024