Colonel Aubrey J. Henshaw III began his military career in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in November 1996. Shortly after completing his initial training, he was assigned to Bravo Company, 111th Area Support Medical Battalion. Early in his career he deployed with the Texas National Guard, gaining valuable operational experience in Central America.

Upon returning to Bravo Company, Henshaw served in several leadership roles including Platoon Leader for both the Ambulance Platoon and the Treatment Platoon. His leadership and professionalism quickly earned him increased responsibility, and he again deployed to Central America with Bravo Company.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, Henshaw deployed to Egypt in support of Operation Bright Star 2001, serving as the company Executive Officer. His performance during this deployment helped prepare him for future command opportunities.

Promoted to Captain, Henshaw was later selected to command Bravo Company, 111th Area Support Medical Battalion. In 2005 he led the unit during another deployment to Egypt in support of Operation Bright Star 2005, strengthening multinational partnerships and operational readiness.

After completing command, Major Henshaw transitioned into the Army Dental Corps and was appointed as the Oklahoma State Dental Officer. In this role he helped oversee dental readiness for soldiers throughout the Oklahoma National Guard. Demonstrating his continued commitment to service, he volunteered for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007 and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, where he served in support of detainee operations.

Upon his return, Lieutenant Colonel Henshaw continued serving in key leadership roles within the Oklahoma National Guard medical community. He was later assigned to Charlie Company, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, where he supported the medical readiness and operational capabilities of the brigade.

Throughout his military career, Colonel Henshaw participated in numerous marksmanship competitions and earned several awards recognizing his proficiency and dedication to training.

Outside of his military service, Colonel Henshaw is a practicing dentist and the owner of the Aesthetic Dental Institute in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Through his practice, Dr. Aubrey Henshaw & Associates, he continues to serve his community by providing high-quality dental care to patients across the region.

Colonel Henshaw is married to his wife, Kelly Henshaw, and together they have three children: Allie, Aubrey, and Autumn. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has received numerous military awards and recognitions reflecting his leadership, service, and commitment to both his soldiers and his community.

Victor Ney is the son of Air Force Sergeant William Ney (dec.) and Bonnie Ney and was born aboard Ramstein Airbase, Germany.  After several moves, the family settled in Oklahoma.  Upon graduating high school in Vian, OK, Victor attended Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma where he received his Bachelors of Music Education with a minor in Percussion Performance.  After working as a freelance musician and teaching public school music in Fairfax, OK, Victor enlisted in the Marine Corps in August of 1999.  Following completion of Marine Corps Recruit Training, Marine Combat Training and the Basic Musician Course at the Naval School of Music, he went on to serve in several billets during his tours with 8 different Marine Corps Units with notable billets to include Percussion Instrumentalist, Platoon Sergeant, Enlisted Conductor, Musician Placement Director, and Bandmaster

In his 24 year career as a Marine Corps Musician, Victor went on to perform  or conduct over 3000 ceremonies and public performances. Other highlights from Victor’s Marine Corps career include numerous televised performances for sporting events; performances for Presidents, First Ladies, dignitaries and heads of state; performing for Ronald Reagan’s funeral;  2004 deployment to Al Assad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II; finishing the Marine Corps Marathon in 2007; conducting a combined ensemble of all three Marine Corps bands on the west coast for the 2011 Disney Christmas Day Parade and the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade; and conducting the 1st Marine Division Band at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France for the 101st commemoration of the battle of Belleau Wood. Victor also served as the Musician Placement Director for the 4th Marine Corps Recruiting District, where he was responsible for recruiting 56 musicians for service in the Marine Corps Music Program.  Victor retired from the Marine Corps on March 31st, 2023 as the Bandmaster for the Parris Island Marine Band where he was responsible for all operations, personnel, and professional development for a 58 Marine unit.

Victor’s notable military decorations and service awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three Gold Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one Gold Star, and the Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon.  Victor also obtained expert qualifications on rifle and pistol and is a black belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

On January 3rd of 2023, Victor was sworn in as the 5th District Trustee for the Beaufort County School Board.  He is currently serving as the Secretary of the Board and the chair of the Operations Committee and has also served on the Finance, Academics, and Technology Committees.  Victor uses his decades of musical experience to champion the fine arts programs within the district and is also passionate about advocating for the needs of the special education students.  Most recently, Victor was hired as the Band Director of John Paul II Catholic School.

In is free time, Victor enjoys working as a freelance musician, teaching private lessons, woodworking, and spending time on his motorcycle.  Victor lives in Bluffton, SC with his wife of 22 years, their daughter, and their German Shepherd.

AJ grew up playing drums in church, middle school, and high school. Because of his talent, he earned a music scholarship to Oklahoma State University, where he attended for three semesters and continued to hone his musical skills. Realizing that pursuing a degree to become a teacher was not the path he wanted, AJ began looking for opportunities that would allow him to perform music professionally.

AJ auditioned for the Marine Corps Music Program and was accepted as a drummer. After joining the Marine Corps, he performed all over the world as both a drummer and later as a Drum Major, leading Marine bands on the march.

While serving with the Twenty-Nine Palms Marine Band, AJ had the opportunity to perform for four U.S. Presidents, both current and former. He performed throughout the United States and Canada and participated in numerous international Tattoo events, performing in front of heads of state and world leaders.

While assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band in Okinawa, Japan, AJ traveled throughout the Far East performing for ambassadors and heads of state. During this time, he was part of the first U.S. military band invited to perform in a Japanese school other than those affiliated with the Japanese military—an important cultural milestone, as no other foreign military organization had previously been allowed to perform in their schools.

At Camp Pendleton with the 1st Marine Division Band, AJ continued performing for world leaders, presidents, members of Congress, and senior military leaders from around the globe. While deployed to Iraq, he also performed several times in-country for dignitaries and members of the newly reformed Iraqi government. During that deployment, the band also served as a heavy weapons platoon responsible for security for the Commanding General. After returning from Iraq, AJ became a Drum Major and continued leading Marine bands around the world.

While stationed in San Diego, AJ led the band on the march through numerous Marine Corps recruit graduation ceremonies and parades. He also performed for government officials and occasionally represented the Marine Corps at events attended by Hollywood actors and other prominent figures.

AJ was later selected to serve as a highly respected Drill Instructor. During this assignment, he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Water Survival Section. During this time, AJ set aside his drums to take on these demanding leadership roles. While serving as a Drill Instructor, he was recognized for his leadership and was credited with helping save the life of a recruit who stopped breathing due to a heart condition. The quick actions of AJ and his fellow Drill Instructor allowed the recruit to survive.

Upon completing Drill Instructor duty, AJ returned to the band field as Drum Major with the 2d Marine Division Band at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. As Drum Major, he led the band across the United States and throughout Europe. He performed in front of heads of state from France, Germany, and England, including performances at the historic World War I battlefield of Belleau Wood in France. He also led the band on parade in London, England, performing once again for heads of state, military leaders, and Her Majesty the Queen of England and her husband.

AJ continued leading Marine musicians as the senior enlisted leader at Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, where he continued performing for world leaders and dignitaries. He finished his Marine Corps career as the Senior Enlisted Leader at the Naval School of Music, helping shape the future musical leaders of both the Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy.

After retiring from a remarkable 25-year career in the Marine Corps as a Master Gunnery Sergeant, AJ did not slow down. He continues to perform music, playing guitar and singing, while also dedicating his time to supporting the veteran community. He created a podcast that highlights veterans and their experiences, authored his first book The Lost Art of Fishing Stories, and is preparing a nationwide effort to document as many stories from America’s service members as possible.

AJ live in Oklahoma with his wife Karleen and their two daughters, Madison and Tayla, meeting veterans and collecting stories everywhere he can.

AJ’s mission is to preserve the camaraderie he experienced on active duty. During his time in the Marine Corps, he learned the true value of teamwork, leadership, and the lifelong friendships formed through shared service. He believes there is no bond stronger than that between warriors who have served together. Unfortunately, that bond can sometimes fade when veterans leave active duty, and AJ is dedicated to helping restore that connection.

Through his nonprofit organization, AJ works to preserve the “lost arts” of leadership, teamwork, resilience, and service while amplifying the voices and stories of veterans across the country.