Chaplain's Update....
Troops,
I just got off the phone with Matthew's sister, Jeannie.
First and foremost, she absolutely assured me that Matthew did indeed know Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and we therefore KNOW where Matthew now resides!!! PRAISE GOD !
Jeannie was most appreciative to learn that thousands of SS Members all over the world knew and loved her brother and saw him as a kind and caring, very giving man.
*****
In a sad coincidence, Jeannie became a widow twenty-one years ago TODAY when one of the Marine One (Presidential Fleet) helicopters crashed.
From the NEW YORK TIMES - ARCHIVES:
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/20/us/4-marines-die-in-crash-of-presidential-copter.html
*****
When I asked about any arrangements for Matthew's cremains (ashes), Jeannie enthusiastically told me how much Matthew loved supported the BOY SCOUTS, and his passion for the APPALACHIAN TRAIL which runs right by his home up in the mountains. Today, in fact as we spoke and as I type this, the Boy Scouts are handling the placement of Matthew's earthly remains in a place most fitting and respectful of that love in his life.
GOOGLE: Uncle Nick's Grave as a location to visit someday to remember Matthew's walking that trail. Yes, he DID leave his footprints upon this earth.
Members here have asked about fundraising and addressing any other needs for the family. Jeannie assured me that they are well positioned to take care of all the expenses. So, that expression on our part will not be necessary.
If anyone feels the need to honor Tigger's memory through a charitable donation, Please consider one of the following:
The SteelSoldiers Benevolence Fund (see link in my signature line below) Donations will go into the general fund for future needs of our members.
- OR -
The Boy Scouts of America
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Misc/SupportScouting.aspx
I obtained the mailing address for his parents and will be sending a sympathy card on behalf of the entire SteelSoldiers Membership.
The local Sheriff warned Tigger's family that as soon as his remote place was left unattended that looters might swoop in for anything left unsecured. Consequently, they took care of everything outdoors. Matthew's beloved Jeep was left to Jeannie, and they towed it to her home after the funeral service. (It was already on the trailer, ready to deploy.) She hopes to soon have some acreage to keep it on and drive it around to remember him with. They would also like for his truck (previously mentioned by ZOUT) to remain with the SteelSoldiers and will be looking forward to arranging for that to happen.
To wrap this update up, please keep his parents - Howard & Judy Helms - in your prayers. He was a very special son to them. As well, Jeannie will miss him greatly, she thought he was the best brother in the world. And, from what Jeannie shared, his whole community spoke highly of him at the service - how he'd somehow appear to change a flat tire, or rescue a stuck vehicle from the snow, then show up and shovel their driveway too! And the stories go on and on.... We ALL know what a good man he was. May his heavenly rewards be many. And, may the example he set for the Boy Scouts and others live on as his legacy.
We shall never forget.