John Kenneth Helget, 46, of Autryville, North Carolina passed away Sunday, September 11th.
He was born in Metarie, Louisiana to Robert and Claudia Helget, April 4, 1970. He grew up in Dallas, Texas and graduated from Bryan Adams High School in 1988 where he formed many lifelong friendships playing soccer.
John was a Master Sergeant in the United States Army and was due to retire next Spring. He was most recently stationed at Fort Bragg military base where he inspired and mentored many. John's deployments include Afghanistan, Cuba, Iraq, and two tours to the Philippines.
John's Military Awards and Decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three OLCs, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rdAward), Army Reserves Overseas Training Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation (2nd Award), the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, the German Parachutist Badge and the Thai Parachutist Badge, Mechanics Badge, and Drivers Badge. John is preceded in death by his father, Robert Helget, Jr. and his maternal grandfather, Kenneth James Parent (Paw Paw).
John is survived by his two sons: Ronnie Helget, of Autryville, North Carolina, and Kenny Helget, of Greenville, South Carolina. He is also survived by his mother, Claudia Helget, his maternal grandmother, Rosanna Parent (Maw Maw); six siblings: Stephanie Elrod, Christine Helget, Deborah Helget, Robin Jones, Mathew Helget, and Rebecca Helget; ten nieces and nephews: Jessica Elrod, Lindsey Bechard, Michael Jones, Pam Helget, Alex Helget, Cameron Slaney, Bret Strubberg, Ashley Jones, Amanda Elrod, and Joshua Helget; one great niece and two great nephews: Brooklyn Jones, Liam Bechard, and Austin Rich.
A viewing will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, September 19th, at Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home. Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 20th, at Dallas – Fort Worth National Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 1, 2017
Friend
Scott Buchanan
I met John while we were deployed to Afghanistan in 2014. He was a great leader and a good man. The world is dimmer for his passing.
March 14, 2017
Bob Politte
Helget, you have been my brother since boot camp. Cant believe you are gone. You devoted your life to the defense of our country. You are a true professional soldier and a born leader. Take a knee brother, we will take it from here. See you at the end of the trail. RIP. AIRBORNE!!
October 19, 2016
Harry Dawson
Sorry for your lost and we are so glad the family is staying in touch. Louise and Harry Dawson
September 28, 2016
I have been at a loss of words since I found out that you had left us. You were a great mentor to many and a sounding board for me. Your impact on those you came in contact with is immeasurable. May your rest in piece!
MSG(R) Jennie Wyatt
September 21, 2016
Scotland Hawthorne
I have many fond memories of John from BA and his loss is a loss for us all.
September 20, 2016
Willie Mae Roberson
Claudia, my heart goes out to you. I am sorry about John's crossing over. Rest assured that God is on your side and He will carry you and your family through your dark days. Trust Him and see.
September 19, 2016
Lisa Welch
My heart broke when I heard the news. We went to school together at Bryan Adams and he was such a good friend. John I am very proud of all of your accomplishments and want to say Thank you for your service. God did gain another Angel. Going to miss a wonderful man.
September 19, 2016
Tonya Bunn
My heart is just breaking with this tragic loss! Claudia and family, my deepest condolences and prayers are with you all! John was such a handsome American Hero, that so many people respected and looked up too! Claudia, how proud you must be of him, your son, because we and the rest of the family surely are! God gave him to you for a short 46 years but remember, John belonged to God first and evidently he needed another angel in Heaven! He will be dearly missed by so many! Claudia, I just can't begin to imagine the pain, suffering, and heartache you and your family are going through at this time! My Love, thoughts and Prayers are with you all! I wish I could ease your pain!
September 19, 2016
SGT Andria Feik
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Helget family. MSG was there at some of my darkest times and he helped me get through the loss of my mother. He was an incredible leader. Always looking out for his soldiers. My heart is heavy for your family. RIP 1SG.
September 18, 2016
Deanna & Alex Helget
Words can't express the sadness I felt when I heard of John's passing. I will always remember his huge personality, if he was in the room everyone knew it. He didn't know how to sit still. He was always working or fixing something. My prayers go out to everyone he touched. He will truly be missed.
September 17, 2016
Delores Saunders
Our hearts and prayers to helget family. Rest in peace john helget . u was a good friend . u were taken to soon . but u will surely be forever missed
Delores , timmy, Ashley
Saunders
September 17, 2016
John Wilson
My thoughts and prayers to the family. There was a time in life I gave everyone a reason to find the bad and you always showed me the good, providing me the opportunity for development. You were an amazing leader with others in mind first. Ill never forget that. RIP 1SG.
September 17, 2016
SFC Lieberum
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Helget Family. John was an amazing leader and friend that I will truly miss!
September 16, 2016
SSG Annie Sparks
I'm really going to miss you 1SG. You were one of the greats. Thanks for always believing in me. My sorrow goes out to your family in such a time of loss.
Airborne.
ATW...
September 15, 2016
James Brown
So sadden for the loss to the Helget family. John was a really great man and will be missed. Please except our condolences. The Brown Family (James, Aaron, and Adrian)
September 15, 2016
Krista & Ben Bailey
We send our condolences and prayers to the family
September 15, 2016
Kyle Severson
Wish i could be there to carry you to the after life. It was an honor and privilege working with you 1SG. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time, when things get cloudy just try to remember what would John do! Until we meet again brother, RIP -SSG Severson
September 15, 2016
Leona McKee
September 15, 2016
Kenneth Smith
I am a former co worker and had the pleasure of John's mentorship. He was my 1SG while in HHC 95 CA Brigade. (Ft. Bragg) He was a hard man but ever giving in leadership and life experiece and knowledge. He was instrumental in my 2nd chance as a Soldier and put me back on a good path that allowed me to retire. I am forever grateful for my time with him. May you , his family find peace in his rest and know he made a difference.
Kenneth Smith
SFC(Ret) OK
September 15, 2016
Belinda Herrera
My Deepest condolences to you and all your family. May God keep you strong. I'm so sorry for your loss.
September 15, 2016
Cindy Watts
Thoughts and prayers for the family. Peace and healing. Randy and Cindy Watts
September 15, 2016
Dottie Smith
I am a co-worker and friend of Christine. I am so sorry for your tragic loss. My heart breaks for each one of you. Please know that I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers!
September 15, 2016
Tammy Delhommer Anderson
I am so sorry Claudia and family. May God be with you all during this difficult time.
September 15, 2016
Lori & Kevin Skinner
There are no words for how much Kevin and I will miss you. Much love and this is not good bye -- its just a "see ya later".
To all the Family: Our prayers are with you all and if there is anything we can do you have our numbers. Please call. No matter how big or small the request is. Love yall.
September 15, 2016
Kristine Mossinghoff
Peace be with you all. There really are no words. My condolences to you.
September 15, 2016
Shelle Woods
John, it was such an honor to finally see you again, after who knows how many years...25?? You looked so happy, surrounded by your soccer friends and family members. And, as Stephanie said, we were looking forward to your party at that compound!! You no doubt had the best party ever when you arrived in heaven, with your beloved daddy waiting to greet you. Thank you for your service to our country. You were a true American hero. and you will be greatly missed!!
September 15, 2016
Shannon Doyle (Byers)
My deepest sympathy to John's sons, family & friends. I am grateful he was part of my childhood as a friend, playing soccer and schooling us all. More importantly though, I am grateful & humbled by his devotion to our country. Thank you John, may you rest in peace.
September 15, 2016
Victoria DeCicco
I'm So sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with this whole beautiful family.
September 15, 2016
John Russo
Reinhardt Rams!!!! Remembering the influence Mr. Helget had on me at such a young age doing his part helping young boys to grow up to be men. He definitely was a reason we are who we are today, and you my old friend were a man among men, an American Patriot, a hero. Life is full of moments. Thank you John for the moments with you that I have engrained in my memory that I can share with my children, friends, and family
September 15, 2016
Jerry Debra Gollihugh
So sorry for your loss love you guys very much and praying for you.
September 15, 2016
Aunt Karla
God is with us. As we cry out to Him, we are reminded of His help. Psalm 61:1-4, Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
This is so hard,do seek his shelter. Love to all.
September 15, 2016
Krystala Hogue
My heart breaks for your family. I am so sorry for your loss and am praying for you all.
September 15, 2016
Donald Hontz
RIP 1SG, you will be missed and Thank you for everything you did and being the leader you were
SFC (R) Donald Hontz and family
September 14, 2016
Mikey and Ashley Watts
Prayers to yall!!! We love y'all!!
September 14, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss, Aunt Claudia. Love and prayers to you and all of my cousins.
September 14, 2016
Stephanie Helget- Elrod
Bro bro, I love you man! Shelle and I were looking so forward to hanging out on the compound. I know you'll be waiting for me with a giant "Kick -in-go. Yick, yick, yickin!
September 14, 2016
Stephanie Helget-Elrod
I miss you My Bro! Shelle and I were looking so forward to hanging with you at the compound!
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