[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 22, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE HONORABLE GORDON HELSEL'S RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                      VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2019

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of The 
Honorable Gordon Helsel's retirement from the Virginia House of 
Delegates. His extensive history as a military serviceman and a public 
servant exemplify his selflessness and dedication to our great nation.
  In 1967, Gordon Helsel was drafted into the United States Army and 
was deployed to Vietnam as an infantry soldier. Ten months into his 
tour of duty, Gordon was ambushed by North Vietnamese soldiers and 
sustained multiple injuries while returning fire on the enemy position. 
Gordon's injuries would require him to spend five months in recovery 
and rightfully earned him two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. Gordon 
has been a steadfast advocate for veterans and a tireless supporter of 
our active duty military members and families. The Vietnam veterans' 
community has benefitted tremendously from Gordon's efforts and 
advocacy and has an unshakable bond with him and his family.
  Since his military service, Gordon has pursued his dream of owning a 
business, purchasing the York Box and Barrel Manufacturing Company, 
Inc., which supplies containers for the region's seafood industry. He 
has helped many a seafood dealer and waterman throughout Tidewater 
Virginia. Anyone in the seafood processing or harvesting business has 
come across Gordon and his fantastic products. Consumers of seafood 
also greatly appreciate the preservation of quality that his products 
have provided to seafood lovers.
  His service would continue at the local level where he served as city 
council member, Vice Mayor, Mayor, and Chief of Poquoson's Volunteer 
Fire Company. Gordon would eventually be elected to the House of 
Delegates in 2011, representing the 91st House District of Virginia. 
His efforts in serving his community on many levels has placed him as 
the quintessential servant leader in the eyes of folks through 
Virginia. His love of his country, Commonwealth and community shines 
through in everything that he says and does. His community loves Gordon 
and he loves them back.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognition of Delegate 
Helsel's retirement from the Virginia General Assembly. Words alone 
cannot express our gratitude for his lifelong service to not only his 
community but to his country as well. May God bless Gordon Helsel and 
his family as he enters his retirement.

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