Aug 24, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Marine Vet from Wisconsin Named National Sgt-at-Arms of The American Legion

A Wisconsin military veteran was appointed national sergeant-at-arms of the two-million member American Legion today at the organization’s national convention in Reno, Nevada.

Roy A. Helms served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1974 to 1978. He was trained in electronics, primarily combat surveillance radar. He was assigned to Camp Lejeune N.C., performing repairs and calibration of electronic test equipment, including additional training to become Precision Measurement Electronics Lab (PMEL) certified. His final rank was awarded meritoriously.

Following his Marine Corps service, he attended technical college, receiving an Associate’s Degree in electronics technology and then pursued a second degree in computer programming.

While in technical school, Helms went to work for Morse Electronics, which has become part of what is now Baycom Inc. Since December 1978, he has been involved with the installation and maintenance of public safety radio systems and E911 dispatch centers. He is currently a Sr. Tech / Tech Supervisor.

Helms served as commander of Cook-Fuller Post 70 in Oshkosh, Wisc., as district commander, and as a department (state) of Wisconsin vice-commander. He is also a member of The Sons of The American Legion, Squadron 70, Oshkosh, Wisc.

Helms served on various department committees, including his current term on Policy. In 2008, he received the Department of Wisconsin’s “Joseph R. Meeks Gung-Ho” Award. He received appointments to the National Legislative Council, and the National Americanism Council.

Helms also served as 6th District president, and went on to serve six years as state president of the American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin. Helms was selected to participate in the first Legion Riders “Wreath Laying” ceremony at the Tomb of The Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day in 2005. He received a National “American Legion Rider of Honor” award in 2008.

He and his wife Nancy have been married since 1974 and reside in Oshkosh. Nancy is currently a district president in the American Legion Auxiliary. They have twin sons, one daughter, and three grandchildren, all Legion Family members.

Helms is one of twelve national officers in The American Legion.