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Friends of fallen hero look back on memories that will never be forgotten
Joseph Helton
Written by Ashley Yearwood, News Editor
As 21 guns sounded to the salute of former graduate, 1st lieutenant, Joseph Helton, his family and friends cried, broken hearted.
Helton was killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb while serving his country, Tuesday Sept. 8. A military honors ceremony was held at Georgia National Cemetery Sept. 17 at 2 p.m. At the ceremony branches of the armed services held presentations saluting Helton, such as the folding and presentation of the American flag, the firing of 21 guns and the flying of F-16s.
Expended shells from three of the 21 guns were presented to the family, each representing duty, honor and country.
Helton is greatly missed by his family and friends. “Joseph succeeded in all he did; he was top five of our class and our soccer captain, and an all region player,” Eli Gulsby, former friend to Helton and social studies teacher, said. “He was the kind of person you thought was invincible when he went to war. You never thought anything like this would happen to him. He was always goofy and mischievous at times; he was a wonderful friend; he would do anything he could to help you out. Joseph was the best of us; he will be greatly missed.”
Elizabeth Austin, a former friend of Helton’s, misses him but holds a bundle of great memories shared with Helton. “I have known Joseph since sixth grade; he was the strongest, bravest person I have ever known; he worked hard at everything he did,” Austin said. “He was a quiet leader, and we all looked up to him; he was absolutely a great friend. Although he came across as a big tough guy, he had a real soft spot for people.”
Being one of her best friends, Austin has great memories of Helton, her favorite, the last time she saw him. “We went to lunch a few days before my wedding and he told me that he wouldn’t be able to make it because he was leaving for Iraq,” Austin said. “At the reception, my husband and I had just finished our first dance, and I looked up and saw Joseph standing over to the side of the tent in his blue jeans; his trip had been delayed. I was so happy and surprised to see him there, I ran over to him and gave him a huge hug; it was a wonderful surprise and an even better memory.”
Being a close friend to Helton, Dane Callahan looks back and remembers one of the funniest memories shared with him. “Joseph was a hellacious soccer player and probably one of the dirtiest, but he somehow never got caught,” Callahan said. “One time Joseph turned and literally threw a player on the ground as the ref had his back turned and the player’s mom yelled at him and Joseph turned, pointed and, well, let’s say nicely told her to be quiet; it was a humorous moment that I’ll never forget. It showed his true personality.”
Despite his humorous dirtiness in soccer, Helton was a great friend to Callahan. “He held an indefinable quality and presence that demanded respect but also displayed sincerity,” Callahan said. “He was always willing to go the extra mile to push others when they did not want to push themselves. I have tremendous respect for Joseph and his service; he will always be remembered.”
Being one of Helton’s best friends of all time up until their junior year, Patrick Burt remembers times spent with him. “We were inseparable. Just about every day after school, we would either go to his house or mine,” Burt said. “We would ride bikes, swim or play army for hours. I looked up to Joseph in every way, shape, form and fashion. When I needed help, I would ask him and he would know the right answer, I think he went above and beyond what was called of him; he was one of the greatest people that walked this earth.”
Remembering moments spent with Helton, Burt realizes he was the ‘best best friend’ he had ever had. “He has helped me through a lot of hard times and he will still help me with a lot of things as my life goes on,” Burt said. “He is one of reasons I joined the Tennessee National Guard to become a Military Police just like he was in the Air Force. With God’s help and Joseph’s past, I made it into the military.”
Being a friend of a leader helped Jordan Rowe succeed in sports and education. “He always wanted people around him to do well,” Rowe said. “He would literally push team members on runs so they would make the finish in time. Without question he would put himself to a disadvantage just so others could succeed; he was a great leader, friend and teammate.”
Helton is missed by many who declare he will never be forgotten.
“He had a profound impact on everyone he came in contact with. He touched the lives of many. We are all better for having known Joseph Helton,” Gulsby said. “The world is a darker place as a result of the loss of this great hero.”
October 15th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Congratulations to Miss Yearwood on her stellar reporting. She had well-chosen comments that were different from AP reports and give better insight into the character and personality of this fallen hero.
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October 15th, 2009 at 11:53 am
As a Marine and a combat veteran of Vietnam, it breaks my heart to see young men like Lt. Helton fall in battle. His family can be immensely proud of him; I’m sure there will be a special place in Heaven for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their nation.
Semper Fi
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October 15th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
This was a great article. I remember Joseph from his years here at CMS.
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October 15th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Joseph was always an old soul. His wisdom and courage far exceeded his years. He continuously encouraged others to do well and to strive for excellence. Joseph had a wicked sense of humor that I loved and his smile was contagious. My heart grieves for his family and celebrates the honor he has brought to our entire community.
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October 16th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
He was my friend, and your coverage of my hero is so appreciated. Many thanks!!
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