[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN MEMORY OF LT. DREW DAVID HELMS SEPTEMBER 26, 1962 TO FEBRUARY 11, 
                                  1996

                                 ______


                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 1996

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lt. Drew David 
Helms, a man who touched the lives of thousands. Lieutenant Helms was a 
member of the Salvation Army corps in California's 13th Congressional 
District. He passed away on Sunday, February 11, 1996, as a result of 
injuries received in an automobile accident.
  Lt. Drew Helms grew up in Seattle where he learned the importance of 
service to his fellow man early in life. His parents, Gordon and Peggy 
Helms, were training to become Salvation Army officers and brought Drew 
and his older brother, Paul, along with them as they attended the 
School for Officers's Training. Drew grew up in the corps and credited 
his parents with teaching him early on to honor and respect all human 
life and to dedicate one's life to helping those less fortunate.
  While still in Seattle, Drew met Nancy Newbould. After years of 
friendship and service together in the Salvation Army, they were 
married in 1987 while Drew was a student at Simpson College in San 
Francisco. In June in 1988, Drew graduated from Simpson with a bachelor 
of arts degree in Christian education. In 1990 Drew and Nancy, along 
with their 1-year-old son, Nicholas Andrew, entered the School for 
Officers' Training as members of the Followers of Jesus Session. In 
1992, Drew and Nancy moved to Honolulu, HI, after receiving their 
commissions as lieutenants in the Salvation Army. Once there, Drew was 
appointed commanding officer of the Leeward Corps. In September of the 
same year, Drew and Nancy's second son, Cameron David was born. After 
only a year in Hawaii, the Helms family moved to Hayward, CA where Drew 
served as commander of the Hayward Corps. They served in Hayward 
together for the next 5 years and had a daughter, Katherine Leigh, in 
May of 1995.
  Lt. Drew Helms was on his way from Hayward to the corps to 
participate in a neighborhood feeding program when he was involved in a 
fatal automobile accident. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; their 
three children, Nicholas, Cameron, and Katherine; his parents, Majors 
Gordon and Peggy Helms; and his brothers Paul, Derek, and Craig. My 
thoughts and prayers are with them.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring the 
memory of Lt. Drew David Helms. His dedication and commitment to those 
less fortunate should serve as an example to us all.

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