[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3998]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING FIRST LIEUTENANT JOSEPH DENNIS HELTON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAUL C. BROUN

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2013

  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for a special 
purpose, calling us all to remember and honor the life of First 
Lieutenant Joseph Dennis Helton, Jr. On September 8, 2009, Lieutenant 
Helton was tragically killed in action while serving our country in 
Iraq.
  Like many of our nation's heroes, Lieutenant Helton was an 
exceptional young man with a calling to be a part of something greater 
than himself. His desire to serve led him to the United States Air 
Force Academy where he graduated fifth in his class and was the 
recipient of numerous awards and distinctions.
  Upon graduation, Lieutenant Helton was assigned to the 732nd 
Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at McDill Air Force Base in 
Tampa, Florida. As exceptional young soldiers often do, he immediately 
volunteered for overseas duty, leading him to Iraq. Lieutenant Helton 
was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for his fortitude, 
bravery, and courage and the Purple Heart for his ultimate sacrifice.
  As we remember and honor Lieutenant Helton and his sacrifice for our 
freedom, let us not forget his parents, Joseph and Jennifer, his 
sisters, Jeanne, Jessica, and Jordanne, and many other loving family 
members and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, may we as grateful citizens, and Members of this body, 
never forget the passing of this courageous young man and encourage all 
Americans to honor his sacrifice which was made in defense of liberty 
and of this great nation. I proudly pay tribute to his memory and hold 
his service in the highest esteem.

                          ____________________