Dale A. Helm Captain, Field Artillery Retired

	Dale joined the Minnesota Army National Guard with parental consent at the tender age of 17.  Dale was sworn in by his father (Chief Warrant Officer Helm) and began his military career in Alpha Battery, 1-125 Field Artillery.  During his enlisted career Dale worked in Fire Direction Control, Fire Support, and as a Cannon Crewman. Dale excelled in his assignments and quickly developed leadership skills and assumed more responsibility as he advanced in rank.  Dale was serving his unit as a Staff Sergeant at the peak of his enlisted career.
	Dale had always set for himself the goal of becoming an officer but felt it was extremely important to have enlisted service first.  During his enlisted career, Dale completed his college education and used this experience to become a more seasoned leader.
	During Dale’s officer career he served in many positions both at home and overseas.  These positions allowed Dale to work extensively within the branches of Field Artillery, Armor, and Mechanized Infantry.

Dale held many key positions during his military career to include; Special Weapons Officer, Fire Direction Officer, Fire Support Officer, Recon Survey Officer, Mortar Platoon Officer, Executive Officer, Battery Commander, Task Force Deployment Commander, Assistant Battalion Fire Direction Officer, BN NBC Officer, BN Admin / Personnel Officer, BN Targeting Officer, Fist Detachment Commander, BN Fire Support Officer, Division Artillery Survey Officer, and Division Artillery Fire Direction Officer. Photo of Dale as Executive Officer, Service Battery, 1-125 FA        During Dale’s 21 years of service, he completed two tours of active duty and two state active duty tours in addition to his normal reservist duties.  He volunteered and served on active duty during the 1st Gulf war-known as Desert Storm.        Dale received an extensive Military education in numerous military disciplines along with an in-depth education in Management, Organizational Leadership, Budget and Administrative Operations, Communications, Crisis Management, Safety, and Instructional Teaching. Photo of Captain Helm as Commander in Norway         Dale is honored and humbled by the many opportunities he has had to serve both his state and his country over the years.  But one memory and one medal will endure as his most fulfilling moment of service.        In 1997 when Minnesota was hit by the extreme flood waters damaging homes,  displacing people, and causing severe crisis and emergency service needs-Dale was proud to serve as Flood Fight Commander in the Southwestern Minnesota Area. Photo of Dale's Soldiers Sandbagging During 1997 Flood.        The Red River Flood of 1997 was the most severe flood of the Red River since 1826.  The flood waters reached over three miles inland and inflicted 3.5 Billion dollars in damage.  In Dale’s area of command not a single home was lost, no looting occurred, no one was injured, and temporarily displaced families received immediate emergency services.        Dale was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal for his leadership, planning, and performance of duties during this natural disaster.