Josef Nelson Henderson, age 44, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2006. Josef is loved very much by his wife, Maria Luz and his son Thomas Josef, better known as "TJ". Joseph Leaves behind his beloved wife Maria Luz, infant son T.J (Thomas Josef), son Jacob who resides in Chili, Father and Mother- Jerald and Betty Charniak (Johnson City), Brother Jeffery and wife Sofia (Mesa, AR), Aunt Susan Cogdell ( San Antonio) and her daughters Leslie and Laura, And Jo-Anne Dowell ( San Antonio) and one niece Jillian Martin (Lewisville). Josef what in the process of moving his family from Alexandria VA. To Johnson City to join Betty and Jerry. Josef called his property in Johnson City Home.Major Henderson, US Army Special Forces, received a Congressional Medal of Honor, our nation's highest honor, as well as a Presidential Citation and two purple hearts. The other metals he received are too numerous to mention.Josef was President and CEO of Digital Technology Inc. in Washington D.C. Pallbearers were his brother Jeffery and employees from his company in Washington D.C. who came to Johnson City to pay their final respects.This is his eulogy, by Betty and Jerry during final services:Josef was called "Little Joe" by the family because the name Joe was already used by his aunt Jo-Anne. As it turned out, the little in Joe's name was the only little thing about him. I must note however, that at work he was renamed by his employees as "Big Jake" because he could and would do anything for them.Joe grew from a fun loving mischievous boy who loved to camp, swim, and fish, into a physically large man and a giant in Character.Josef was loved and respected by everyone that came into contact with him. We were so very proud to be seen with him as we walked through the streets of Washington D.C. we were warmly greeted by everyone from street people to Senators.As a result of his integrity and hard work, he was respected throughout the community. Joe was an icon of success for the white community, successful in business, politically connected, and with a loving family. He was a Godfather in the African community, which I learned is a highly honored position of utmost respect that is achieved by very, very few men and those men are called upon guidance and advice by individuals, families and the community in general. He was considered a wise and powerful man by the Vietnamese community, and he used to talk about how he enjoyed sharing noon lunches with them. He was also known throughout the Latin community as "Oso", a large gentle bear that would guide and protect anyone who needed him. Josef was and American, but he also was a citizen of the world. The list of people and cultures that he influenced continues on and on. His smile, sincere greeting and companionship were always enjoyed by everyone.Major Henderson, US Army, Special Forces, served his country with devotion and dedication. He was recognized with a Presidential citation and the and the Medal of Honor, but Josef never told anybody of his awards, preferring to remain anonymous, as he was a truly humble man.If Josef had a fault, it was his generosity. He was always there for anyone that needed money, help, or moral support to meet their needs.Most of all Josef loved his wife and children, and they loved him. Picture a physically large man with a 6 month old baby, both of them pounding on the table and highchair, making noises, and faces until they were both hysterical with laughter. I am not sure who enjoyed it more, Josef or his children. The same big man, who was CEO of a corporation, would also gently hold and comfort his children when they were hurt or upset. He carried TJ, his youngest son, in a backpack as he worked in the yard or strolled in the neighborhood, so that they could enjoy each other and TJ could learn by example. Josef was able to spend his last summer in Chili with his son Jacob. We have many pictures of Josef and Jacob with smiles on both of their faces. He was definitely a wonderful dad, husband, son, and most of all a friend.Josef loved his mother and would call her almost daily to "check in", but he was really checking to make sure that she was ok.We don't understand why Josef was called home at the prime of his life, but we believe that God must have a very big job for Josef, one that no ordinary man could handle. We are all better people for having had Josef in our lives.