From the Orange County Newsroom
When Norris Henderson left the U.S. Marines after two decades of service, his mission was far from over. Today, as program manager of Mission United at Heart of Florida United Way, Henderson leads with the same discipline and purpose that defined his military career. His tireless dedication to uplifting veterans and their families has earned him the distinction of 2024 Orange County Mayor’s Veteran of the Year.
Related: Orange County honors its Vietnam Veterans.
“Since retiring, the majority of my employment has been assisting veterans, so my passion comes from seeing veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve,” he said. “The award means a lot because it reflects the work we all do – all the nominees – because we collaborate to serve the entire veteran community.”
Norris Henderson was named the 2024 Orange County Veteran of the Year.
Photo from the Orange County Newsroom.
Henderson served in the Marines from 1993 to 2013, earning the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. His transition into civilian life was not just a personal journey — it evolved into a mission to serve others walking the same path.
Since joining Heart of Florida United Way, Henderson has transformed Mission United into a vital support system for veterans across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, his team assisted 715 veterans and provided 800 Lyft rides to ensure transportation to job interviews, medical appointments and essential services.
Among his proudest accomplishments: securing a $50,000 grant for veteran housing and utility assistance, and coordinating free legal support for more than 150 veterans in partnership with the Legal Aid Society.
“Veterans are prideful and often reluctant to seep help, so getting the word out about the benefits they qualify for is critically important,” he emphasized. “They earned these benefits, and we’re here to help them take full advantage.”
Though relatively new to Central Florida, Henderson has quickly become a cornerstone of the local veteran support network. He serves on several boards and councils, including the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Counciland the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, where he continues to advocate for long-term solutions.
The Veteran of the Year award recognizes not just Henderson’s service in uniform, but also his unwavering commitment in the years since.
“We want to elevate the entire veteran community, get more people involved and take this work to another level,” he said. “I didn’t receive this award alone – many others have supported this mission, and we plan to keep pushing forward.”
To learn more, go to Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council.
