IN RECOGNITION OF THE HONORABLE GORDON HELSEL'S RETIREMENT FROM THE VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 86
(Extensions of Remarks - May 22, 2019)
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[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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