2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 698

Commending the Honorable Gordon C. Helsel, Jr.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 17, 2025

WHEREAS, the Honorable Gordon C. Helsel, Jr., a decorated veteran, accomplished businessman, and esteemed public servant, has admirably served the nation, the City of Poquoson, and the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, a native of Hampton and graduate of Poquoson High School, Gordon Helsel served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Army from 1967 to 1971, receiving two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his courage and valor during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, after receiving an associate degree in occupational safety and health from Thomas Nelson Community College, Gordon Helsel became the owner of the York Box and Barrel Manufacturing Company, Inc., in Poquoson; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Helsel embarked upon a distinguished career in public service in 1982 as a member of the Poquoson City Council, where he would serve for the next 29 years, including as vice mayor from 1990 to 1994 and as mayor from 1996 to 2011; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Helsel faithfully served the 91st House District as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 2011 to 2020, dedicating himself to ensuring the prosperity and well-being of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, after leaving the Virginia House of Delegates, Gordon Helsel returned to serving as mayor of the City of Poquoson, bringing nearly four decades of experience as a public leader to bear as he guided the locality's growth and development; and

WHEREAS, beyond his public service, Gordon Helsel has given generously of his time to make Poquoson safer as a life member and former chief of the Poquoson Volunteer Fire Company; and

WHEREAS, with exceptional integrity, heartfelt compassion, and an unwavering commitment to his community, Gordon Helsel has epitomized the ideals of public service, earning the esteem and admiration of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Honorable Gordon C. Helsel, Jr., hereby be commended for his legacy of service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Honorable Gordon C. Helsel, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' high regard for his contributions to Poquoson and the Commonwealth.