[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 81 (Monday, May 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E764-E765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    LIEUTENANT COLONEL WALTER HELM (RETIRED UNITED STATES AIR FORCE)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2016

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of an 
uncommon American, Lieutenant Colonel Walter Helm. On June 1st, Walter 
Helm will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery amidst his 
countrymen who, like Lt. Colonel Helm, loved this nation in all its 
glory.
  Walter Helm grew up in Bellmore, New York, born July 31, 1933, as the 
second of four children. Thanks to his parents, he learned the rewards 
of hard work, faith and charity. He also learned to love flying and in 
1954 joined the Air Force, serving our nation with distinction and 
heroism for the next 20 years during some of its most difficult 
overseas actions.
  However, for Walter Helm, military service was not entirely about 
overseas action--it was also about domestic relations of a very 
specific kind. While serving, Walter met another officer and decided to 
marry her. He and Janet eventually had four daughters. With Janet's 
service to our country as a major example, the couple encouraged each 
daughter to pursue their educations and dreams, always mindful of their 
duties to the broader community. Ultimately, he and Janet were rewarded 
for their patience in raising four daughters when they became the 
loving grandparents of two grandsons, Hunter and Harrison Fazlollahi.
  The Vietnam War was one of nation's most difficult conflicts. Like 
many of his comrades in arms at the time, Walter, a patriot and 
helicopter pilot, performed his duties under some of the most difficult 
circumstances ever encountered by our nation's troops. On one of these 
days, June 19, 1968, he piloted a CH-3E deep within enemy territory. On 
that day, then-Major Walter Helm encountered heavy ground fire while 
attempting to extricate seven

[[Page E765]]

friendly personnel. Although his helicopter was damaged, he continued 
his approach and then hovered for twelve minutes, despite threat of 
immediate and renewed attack, until the personnel were hoisted aboard. 
For his heroic service, Major Helm earned the Distinguished Flying 
Cross and the government of the Republic of Vietnam awarded him the 
Gallantry Cross with Palm.
  Upon retirement, Walter and Janet visited many countries to 
experience their cultures, and he encouraged his daughters to learn 
about the needs of people in distant lands. They gave generously to 
their community through various charitable organizations. America, he 
believed, was a great country and one individual, whether in the armed 
services or as a private citizen, could make a difference through many 
forms of service.
  On June 1st, at the moment when the bugler's solemn farewell is heard 
by mourners, America will realize that yet another patriot has passed. 
In war and peace, he set the standard for character, faith and 
dedication to family and our nation.
  Mr. Speaker, this nation is not mighty or just because of its laws or 
force of arms, but rather because men and women of character quietly 
dedicate their lives to our common good. Walter Helm was such a man, 
and our nation is forever grateful that he led his life with courage 
and honor so that we might live in peace and justice for generations 
yet to come.

                          ____________________