[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25064]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


 A TRIBUTE TO UNITED STATES MARINE LIEUTENANT GENERAL SAMUEL T. HELLAND

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                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 16, 2009

  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the United States 
Marine Corps are exceptional.
  Our country has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated leaders 
who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent to keep this 
country free and safe. United States Marine Lieutenant General Samuel 
T. Helland is one of these individuals.
  Lt. General Helland earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the 
University of Minnesota, Duluth and holds a Master of Science Degree 
from Troy State University. He is a graduate of the Marine Corps 
Command and Staff College and the National Defense University, 
Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
  Lt. General Helland started his military career by enlisting in the 
Army in 1968. He served three years with the U.S. Army Special Forces, 
leaving after a combat tour of duty in Vietnam with the 5th Special 
Forces Group (ABN), Military Advisory Command (Special Observations 
Group). Lt. General Helland graduated from Marine Officer Candidate 
School in 1973, and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1974. He is 
qualified as a CH-53 pilot.
  Lt. General Helland has served in many different capacities over the 
years; Lt. General Helland served with the Amphibious Units, Aviation 
Combat Elements, and Joint Task Forces. He has participated in 
exercises and contingency operations ranging from the Arctic Circle, 
throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, the Persian Gulf, and 
the Horn of Africa.
  His assignments include Staff Officer for the Logistics Officer for 
the Marine Aircraft Group 26, Operations Officer for Marine Heavy 
Helicopter Squadron 461, MAG 40, Joint Staff Officer in the J-7, 
Command of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Deputy Commander 
JTF-Shining Hope, US Joint Forces Command, Norfolk VA, US Marine Corps 
Forces South, Commanding General Fleet Marine Forces South, Assistant 
Deputy Commandant for Aviation. In May 2004, Lt. General Helland 
assumed command of Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa. From 
August 2005 to July 2007, Lt. General Helland commanded the 3rd Marine 
Aircraft Wing, MCAS Miramar San Diego, California. In July 2007, he 
assumed duty as Deputy Commanding General I MEF Camp Pendleton, CA 
before assuming his present assignment as Commanding General I MEF; 
Commander, Marine Corps Forces Central Command.
  His decorations include the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple 
Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Defense Superior 
Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, 
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon with one 
star, and various service and unit awards.
  Lt. General Helland's tireless passion for service has contributed to 
the betterment of this country. On the occasion of his retirement and 
on behalf of the people of the United States whom he has served with 
courage and honor, we commemorate the service of Lieutenant General 
Samuel T. Helland.

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