Sisters man appointed to national committee

Sisters American Legion Post 86 announced that Department of Oregon 2nd Vice Commander Eugene Hellickson was appointed by National Commander Dale Barnett and confirmed by the National Executive Committee to serve on the National Americanism Council.

The appointment of the Sisters Legionnaire was made at the National Fall Executive Committee meeting, held Oct. 14-15 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The commissions and committees of The American Legion are composed of volunteer Legionnaires, backed by national staff. Together they do the work of the Legion, carrying out its resolutions and programs.

The committee is committed to promote an understanding and appreciation of American government, the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, and activity in the American way of life through youth activities, community service, instruction of prospective citizens and legal immigrants, education and educational facilities, and protection of the U.S. flag from physical desecration. Many of the American Legion's core activities fall under the Americanism Committee; Legion Baseball, Boys State/Nation, Citizenship, Flag Advocacy, Flag Etiquette, Get Out the Vote, Junior Shooting Sports, Oratorical Contest, Scouting, and Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program.

Gene Hellickson is a 20-year military retiree, having served four years active duty with the U.S. Air Force. He was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Expert Marksman Ribbon, Airman of the Month 671st Joint Air Reconnaissance Control Center Radar Squadron, and Airman of the Quarter, 718th Aircraft Control and Warning Radar Squadron.

Gene was discharged as a Sergeant E-4. He served 16 years with the Oregon State Air National Guard, as a Radar Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Support Superintendent. He was awarded the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Oregon Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Oregon Faithful Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Outstanding Airman of the Year, 116th Command and Control Center, Tactical Control Squadron. Gene retired in 1988 as a Senior Master Sergeant E-8.

After retiring from the Air Force, Gene went to work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a Quality Control and Quality Assurance Specialist, where he was awarded the Department of Commerce, NOAA Corps Bronze Medal for Superior Federal Service and retired in 2005.

Gene is a nine-year member of the American Legion and is a 2012 graduate of Oregon State Legion College. He served in Sisters as the post commander for six years. He also served as Oregon's 5th District Vice Commander and Commander for three years, 2011-2015.