After more than 20 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MWO C.V. Henderson, CD, will retire on 22 April 2026. Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to Capt K.S.C. Ho, Kyle.Ho@forces.gc.ca
Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Christopher Henderson was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) on 04 Nov 04 as a Combat Engineer. After completing his QL3 on 06 Oct 05, he was posted to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER) in Edmonton, where he began what would become an exceptional and impactful career within the Canadian Military Engineers (CME).
After a year within a field engineer squadron, his strong technical aptitude and maturity led to his selection for the Armoured Engineer Operator Course (AEOC), where he earned the title of “Iron Horseman.” This identity followed him throughout his career and became a central part of his professional reputation. “Find a Way or Make One.”
In 2007, MWO Henderson deployed to Afghanistan on Task Force (TF) 1-07 during one of the most dangerous phases of Operation ATHENA in Kandahar. Serving as an Armoured Engineer Vehicle (AEV) operator, he delivered critical mobility support under frequent insurgent contact.
During a particularly intense engagement, he demonstrated extraordinary courage by exiting his armoured vehicle under heavy enemy fire to repair a mechanical failure on the AEV’s excavator
arm. His actions restored the vehicle’s operational effectiveness, enabling continued mobility support to the battle group and removing hazardous obstacles that threatened coalition forces and the local population. For this heroism, he received a Mention in Dispatches (MiD). Only 308 MiD were awarded during Canada’s mission in Afghanistan Campaign.
Upon return, he rose swiftly through the ranks to Master Corporal and became an AEV Detachment Commander, a leadership position reserved for only the most capable and trusted NCOs. With minimal time at home, he deployed again on TF 1-09, once more serving selflessly
in high-risk combat operations. For his outstanding performance and leadership during this second tour, he received the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command Commendation. He was then promoted to Sergeant in record time, achieving such rank shortly after his six years of service.
In 2013, after eight years of intense operational service follow by the closing of Afghanistan mission, MWO Henderson retired from the Regular Force and transitioned into a successful civilian career in the oil sector. Despite an influx of income and professional success, something felt incomplete, he missed the purpose, challenge, and camaraderie of military service.
Driven by the same sense of duty that defined his early career, he returned to the CAF, quickly re-establishing his place within the Engineer Corps. He surpassed peer expectations and excelled in key positions including Recce Sergeant, Operations NCO, and Training NCO, consistently proving his ability to lead and perform in complex environments. He was also invited to challenge the Special Operations Assaulter Selection, further demonstrating his operational credibility and professional excellence.
In 2016, he deployed on one of the earliest rotations of Operation UNIFIER to Ukraine, where he delivered training in explosive hazard awareness and helped prepare Ukrainian forces to resist Russian aggression. MWO Henderson and his crews laid the foundation for the explosive hazardous trainings and standards for the later rotations. Their efforts saved countless human lives in the later full-scale of military conflicts in Ukraine.
Promoted to Warrant Officer (WO) in 2018, he completed the Basic Parachutist Course and became the Airborne Troop WO in the Light Engineer Squadron. He later returned to Ukraine on Operation UNIFIER as the Task Force Quartermaster (TFQM), providing essential support and mentoring to SNCOs and junior ranks during Canada’s training mission to support Ukrainians.
In 2020, he completed French language training with a BBB profile. The following year, he was posted to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment (2 CER) as the Regimental Operations WO, a high-tempo and high-impact position only assigned to the best WOs in the branch.
Promoted to Master Warrant Officer in 2023, he returned to 1 CER as the Squadron Sergeant Major of 17 Armoured Squadron, returning to where his journey began. He proudly brought the new AEV (RAM) to the international stage and ensured Iron Horsemen and Iron Horsewomen remained ready for back-to-back deployments on Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia.
After over 20 years of dedicated service, MWO Henderson has achieved milestones that few soldiers will ever accomplish and completed the full circle by returning to his beloved Armoured Squadron. From combat operations in Afghanistan to mentoring allies in Ukraine, from Airborne Troop Warrant Officer to leadership in regimental operations, he has consistently embodied the highest standards of the CMEs. In addition to his achievements on multiple deployments, he
risked his own safety to rescue a near-drowning victim, placing himself in significant danger to save others.
As he transitions out from uniformed service, he has chosen to focus on personal well-being and continue serving in a different way. He wants to give back to the community and helping fellow combat veterans find peace after returning home. His dedication to helping others reflects the same courage, empathy, and commitment that defined his military career.
MWO Christopher Henderson’s service is marked by courage under fire and professional to his soldiers and his country.