First Lt. Joseph Dennis Helton, 24, of Monroe, dies in Iraq

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By Rick Badie

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

First Lt. Joseph Dennis Helton loved Thanksgiving, and its trappings — the food, family, maybe even the traditional football game.

Walton Tribune Lt. Joseph Helton, 24, of Monroe, was killed Sept. 8 from an explosive device while serving in Iraq.

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This Thanksgiving, though, the Air Force police officer would have been especially thankful. He was to be home in Monroe, near Athens, after completing a second tour of duty in Iraq.

In May 2007, Lt. Helton received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He didn’t become a pilot, but a “ground pounder,” according to an Air Force news wire story.

In November 2008, he was assigned to Iraq as part of the 6th Security Forces Squadron out of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. After that tour ended, he volunteered for a mission with the police transition team, said Col. Larry A. Hoff, the soldier’s soccer coach and ROTC instructor at Monroe Area High School.

“He extended his tour so the guys who’ve been assigned four or five times wouldn’t have to go back,” said Col. Hoff, the family spokesman. “He was a professional officer.”

On Sept. 8, Lt. Helton was killed while on a mission near Baghdad. An improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was 24.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church of Monroe. An additional service will be held at 7 p.m. that same day at Meadows Funeral Home in Monroe. On Thursday, a procession will leave the funeral home at 11 a.m. for a military graveside service at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.

When he was 2, Lt. Helton moved with family to Monroe from the Florida Panhandle. At Monroe Area High, the 2003 honors graduate ran cross country and served as soccer team captain two years.

“That booger could throw the ball from midfield into the net,” Col. Hoff said. “That’s how good he was.”

Col. Hoff saw more than a gifted soccer player, though. This soldier was a natural born leader destined for greatness. Military or not.

“When you talk leadership and charisma,” Col. Hoff said, “he had it.”

On Saturday, servicemen held a memorial service at Camp Stryker, Iraq, to honor the Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient. Maj. Joe Engelbrecht, the squadron commander, addressed the soldiers, according to an Air Force news wire story.

“We know that people join the fight for different reasons,” he said. “Some join for the sense of service, some to be a part of something special, and some for a pride in their nation.

“Joe joined the fight for all three.”

This year, Thanksgiving won’t be the same for the Heltons or Hoffs.

“He would have been with his sisters and mom first,” Col. Hoff said. “Then he would have had Thanksgiving with us.”

Survivors include his parents, Jennifer Helton of Monroe and Joseph D. Helton of Kingston, Wash.; three sisters, Jeanne Rhea of Athens; Jessica Helton of Monroe and Jordanne Helton of Valdosta; and two grandfathers, Victor Holden of Monroe and Dennis Helton Jr. of Pensacola.