(Sing along with "Barry"!!)  

Lt Colonel David L. "Dutch" Helms, USAF, (Ret.)

 (AKA: "Welcome to My World")  

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Though now "retired", I most recently served as Deputy Chief and Armaments Cooperation Manager at the Office of Defense Cooperation at the American Embassy in Bonn, Germany.

I was born and raised near Cleveland, Ohio; graduated from Berea High School in 1961 and received my Bachelor's Degree in German and History from Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio, in 1965. I pursued additional studies at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, Ohio University, and Oklahoma University and received my Masters Degree in National Security Affairs (Western Europe) from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, in 1977.

I joined the USAF in February 1967. Commissioned in April 1967, I completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Reese AFB, TX, in June 1968. Assigned first to the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron, MacDill AFB, FL, (F-4E), I later transferred to Forward Air Control duty (O-2A), flying 339 combat missions in Vietnam in support of the 101st Airborne Division in Northern I Corps. From 1970 to 1972, I served as a T-37 instructor pilot and flight examiner at the US/German pilot training program at Sheppard AFB, Texas. From 1972 to 1975, I was assigned as an instructor pilot, academic instructor, and chief of academics at the USAF's Pilot Instructor Training Wing at Randolph AFB, Texas. Following a year as the HQ Squadron Commander at the 3750th Consolidated Maintenance Squadron, Sheppard AFB, TX, I was selected for Masters Degree studies at the Naval Postgraduate School, in June, 1976, graduating a year later in 1977.

After completing Defense Intelligence School, Washington DC, in late 1977, I served as Assistant Air Attaché in Bonn, Germany, from January 1978 through May 1980, flying on occasion in the F-104G with the German Air Force. Following another year of flying duties (T-38) at Columbus AFB, MS, I was then assigned to the Pentagon as an action officer for the Strategic Forces and Strategic Plans and Policy Divisions of the Joint Staff. In 1983, I was assigned as Special Assistant to the Deputy SACEUR (GE) at HQ SHAPE (NATO) in Belgium. In 1984, I returned for a second tour with the Defense Attaché Office in Bonn and then became Chief, Air Force Section, Office of Defense Cooperation, Bonn, in July 1985. Retiring from active duty in July 1988, I eventually joined the Federal Civil Service and relocated to Dayton, Ohio. There, at Wright-Patterson AFB, I served as Country Manager for German Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Programs at AFMC's International Logistics Center from February 1989 until transferring to Germany in February 1991. At that time, I was assigned as an Armaments Cooperation Specialist again at the Office of Defense Cooperation at our Embassy in Bonn, Germany. In October 1992, I was promoted to Deputy Chief of the ODC and appointed Armaments Cooperation Manager for the Embassy. I was then medically retired from this position in early 1994 due to a service-connected 100% disability (larynx cancer).

During 1994 and 1995, I underwent several successful surgeries. Diagnosed with larynx cancer in mid-1993, probably due to cigarette smoking, a fondness vodka martinis, compounded by Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam,  and "bad genes", I underwent extensive but unsuccessful radiation treatments during the Fall of that year. Following further ineffective treatment, I was eventually scheduled for single bypass heart surgery followed by a total laryngectomy in April/May 1994. After a year of using an electro-larynx to speak, I then underwent, in May 1995, additional surgery (Tracheoesophageal Puncture - TEP) that installed a semi-permanent voice prosthesis in my esophagus, thus making oral communication more natural and understandable. I have since regained relative health and vigor and remain symptom-free of any further signs of cancer or heart disease (knock on wood).

I have over 2,300 flying hours of military flight time in fighter-type aircraft and am a graduate of the USAF's Squadron Officers School and the Air Command and Staff College. My military awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross (1 OLC), Bronze Star with V Device, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (10 OLC), Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Silver Star and others.

Additional honors and activities include Honorary Pilot Wings from the German Air Force; selection as Air Force Association Officer of the Year; adjunct faculty member: University of Maryland's European Division; Chairman, Vice Chairman, Board Member: American Embassy Association; Chairman: Board of Governors of the 1500-member American Embassy Club and Recreation Center; Secretary/ Membership Chairman: American-German Business Club; Member/President: Bonn American High School Booster Club; Member: Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Shrine;  S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. (click HERE for some Barbershop Harmony), Republican National Committee, Air Force Association, The Retired Officers Association, F-4 Phantom II Society, Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Rifle Association, Thomas More Law Center,  International Association of Laryngectomees, WebWhispers Nu-Voice Club, and was always active in community activities, sports, and youth-related programs.

I remain medically retired and reside in El Lago, Texas, near Houston (see map below).  I stay busy with THIS Website and am also the Webmaster for the International Association of Laryngectomees (IAL), the WebWhispers Nu-Voice Club, and am working with several business sites,too.  I am unattached, unmarried and have a daughter, who lives and works near Hurst, Texas. (Photos? - Press Here)

My New Wheels!

{Last Update - 1 May 2005)

A Special Salute to a  Great Group of Guys!

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