[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO COLONEL EMORY ``RAY'' HELTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2008

  Mr. HAYES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute 
to Colonel Ray Helton, United States Army, on the occasion of his 
retirement from active duty. Colonel Helton has served our great Nation 
for more than 30 years as a truly exceptional officer and I am 
extremely proud to call him my friend.
  Over the past several years, as Co-Chair of the House Special 
Operations Forces Caucus, I have had the honor of working with Colonel 
Helton during his tenure as the Director of Legislative Affairs for 
United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Soldier, leader, 
scholar, statesman, gentleman----Ray truly personifies what a warrior 
should be and he has been an outstanding ambassador for Special 
Operations.
  Colonel Helton's dedication to his work on behalf of the warfighter 
has been unwavering. There is no doubt that Ray has been instrumental 
in educating the House Armed Services Committee, other defense-related 
Committees, and Members of Congress on a variety of issues critical to 
our Special Operators and their missions. His tireless efforts working 
with Members of Congress and the military perspective he brings to the 
table have undoubtedly resulted in a better understanding of the 
Special Operations community and its unique missions, requirements, and 
needs. He has been a tireless advocate for all of his fellow Special 
Operators. Though much of it has been behind the scenes, there is no 
doubt that his work has furthered our nation's goals in the continued 
Global War on Terror and saved lives in the field.
  Colonel Helton graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate from 
the University of Illinois Army ROTC and began serving as an Infantry 
Officer in January 1981. His Infantry assignments include leading two 
platoons in the 3d Infantry Division and commanding two companies in 
the 101st Airborne Division. He was transferred to the Special Forces 
Branch in 1988 and served as a Detachment Commander, Battalion 
Personnel Officer and Battalion Operations Officer in the 10th Special 
Forces Group. He served as a Company Commander, Battalion Executive 
Officer and Battalion Commander in the 3rd Special Forces Group. He has 
conducted training and operations with Soldiers on five continents. 
Colonel Helton also served as the Chief of Assignments of the Combat 
Arms Division in United States Personnel Command, as a Strategic 
Planner and Writer on the Joint Staff and as the Garrison Commander of 
Fort Drum, New York. Colonel Helton's military education includes the 
Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, Combat Divers Course, 
Air Assault School, Ranger School, Special Forces Qualification School, 
Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Survival Escape Resistance and 
Evasion Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Joint 
Psychological Operations Course, Command and General Staff College, and 
the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He received a bachelor's 
degree in History from the University of Illinois, a Master of Arts 
degree in National Strategy and Policy from the Naval War College and a 
Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the 
Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
  On behalf of Congress and the United States of America, I express our 
appreciation of Colonel Helton for his tireless service and support of 
the warfighter. His professionalism, expertise, and efforts showcase 
his patriotism, and his dedication to his Special Operators in the 
field. Though the following phrase is often used, I can say without 
reservation that it is rarely as appropriate as it is in this case: 
Colonel Ray Helton is truly a great American.
  I want to personally thank Colonel Ray Helton, his wife Colonel Jane 
Helton, USA, and his entire family for their commitment, sacrifice, and 
the contributions they have all made throughout his honorable and 
distinguished military service. I congratulate Ray on completing an 
exceptional and extremely successful military career and am humbled by 
his dedicated service to our nation. I wish Colonel Helton and his 
family many blessings and much success as he begins his future 
endeavors and embarks on new adventures.

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