Those who knew retired Air Force Col. Joe Henjum say the community has lost a “prince among men.”

Henjum, the co-founder of Home Front Cares, a nonprofit that serves military families in the Pikes Peak region, died Friday morning at his home after a long battle with bone cancer, said John Haaren, Home Front Cares’ chief financial officer.

He was 75 years old.

“He was a mentor and a model and just a tremendous person,” Haaren said.

Home Front Cares, started in 2003 by Henjum and Bob Carlone, has raised more than $1.7 million and assisted 1,800 military families.

A pilot in Vietnam, Henjum received the Silver Star, the third highest military honor. He commanded several Air Force units and instructed at the Air Force Academy before his retirement.

Post-retirement, Henjum ran a local retirement community and was involved in the rotary club and the Military Officer’s Association.

“No matter where he went, people just loved him. He was just dynamic and full of vigor. He instilled joy in people,” Carlone said.

Carlone last spoke with Henjum to wish him a happy New Year. Henjum told him he was feeling well but his doctors said his white blood-cell count was at zero.

“We’re all just devastated with the loss,” said Roz Trojan, the organization’s program manager. “He was the backbone of the organization.”

Henjum is survived by a wife, Joanne, and a son and a daughter and four grandchildren.

“He’s a legend,” Carlone said.

Joe Henjum. Photo by

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