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Minot Airman has talent for comic art

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The very first comic book to hit U.S. newsstands was a culmination of various stories from "The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck." It first appeared in New York during the year 1842. This first comic book fueled the fire of adventure and creativity for many artists throughout history, including Minot's very own Staff Sgt. Eric Henson.

Sergeant Henson is the 5th Force Support Squadron's base personnel reliability program noncommissioned officer-in-charge, who is dedicated to his mission, his Airmen and his family. But when he goes home, the most likely place one would find him is at his desk sketching up something new and amazing in the comic world with his daughter, Nevaeh, at his side.

"He has a gift and has it for a reason," said Sergeant Henson's wife, Jamillah, who has been very supportive of her husband, especially when it comes to his art.

"Everybody can't say their husband went to the San Diego Comic-Con to show off his artwork," Jamillah said.

Sergeant Henson attended the San Diego Comic-Con from July 22 through 25 to showcase to the entire industry his hard work and dedication to the art of comics. Sergeant Henson received several deals where he will draw for production companies.

But everyone starts somewhere and Sergeant Henson began his love affair with comics when he was five years old after his father gave him his first comic book, "The Silver Surfer."

"My family has always encouraged me to draw," Sergeant Henson said. "When you do something good once, you try it again and again."

The sergeant's parents ensured their son had the best schooling available. Sergeant Henson attended an arts program available in his home town of Jackson, Miss., from fourth grade through 12th grade. His parents called it, "an exceptional program."

Sergeant Henson's wife Jamillah noted his mother said it was an exceptional program for an exceptional son. Jamillah said his mother often says, "Eric is the greatest son a mom could ever have."

She also added how much Sergeant Henson loves his parents and how everything he does, particularly in his art, is done in love for his parents and to make them proud.

The sergeant said he can't take credit for his gift though. He said he thanks God everyday for gracing him with the ability to bring imagination to life.

"I love drawing so much," he said. "When I draw, I can literally look into the mind of God and ask, 'Why did he make that nose to look the way it does?'"

Sergeant Henson aids Capt. Eddie Rubero, 5th Bomb Wing protestant chaplain, by Leigh preaching during the Sunday morning protestant service at the Northern Lights Chapel. A Leigh preacher is someone who volunteers to give sermons, but is not an ordained minister. Sergeant Henson said his work helps in his ministry as well.

"I really love connecting comic book superheroes to the Bible," Sergeant Henson said. "Most great stories always follow the greatest story ever told -- the story of Christ."

The Henson family ensures they incorporate devotionals and Bible readings into their daily schedule as often as they are able. The sergeant said if it weren't for God's grace, he wouldn't be where he is today.

His wife added, "If it weren't for God, we wouldn't have ever met."

But what keeps bringing Sergeant Henson back to the drawing table day after day? Find out in the next story of this series highlighting his road to the sketchpad and his art.

[Editors note: This story is part one of a three part series highlighting Sergeant Henson's gift in comics and how he incorporates them and what they mean into his everyday life and family.]