THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you.Proud to call you my family

Master Sergeant Joe Dean Helvey, Served with the 188th Assault Helicopter Company, 308th Aviation Battalion, 16th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

PFC Leroy McKeever was a helicopter mechanic serving with the 188th Assault Helicopter Company “Black Widows.” On May 18, 1968, PFC McKeever, distraught over personal problems and under the influence of alcohol, carried a grenade into the Orderly Room at LZ Sally in Thua Thien Province, RVN, looking for the Commanding Officer of the 118th AHC, MAJ Jack Johnson. When McKeever couldn’t find the Johnson, he approached SFC Joe D. Helvey with the pin pulled, exchanged a few words, then released the handle, causing the grenade to detonate. Both McKeever and Helvey were killed in the blast and the company clerk was injured. Helvey was posthumously promoted to Master Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vietnam.ttu.edu/reports]

Dear Msgt Joe Helvey,
Thank you for your service as an Aircraft Maintenance Senior Sergeant. Your 51st anniversary is soon, sad. Yesterday was the 44th anniversary of the official end of the war. The war was years ago, but we all need to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in Peace with the angels.