John Francis Helinski
Engineer, consultant, former air force officer
Born Jun. 8, 1942, Cleveland (OH), U.S.; son of Francis G. and Catherine H.; married Mona Gay (Kurek); children: Laura Gay, Brent David.
Education: Bachelor of Science (B.S.), United States Air Force (USAF) Academy, Colorado Springs, 1963; Master of Science (M.S.), Syracuse University (NY), 1969; graduate (in management) Sacramento State College (CA); Industrial College of the Armed Forces; Air Command and Staff College.
Career: United States Air Force (USAF) - operations and maintenance chief, Bien Hoa Air Base (Vietnam), 1969-70, and Headquarters 64th Air Base Group, Reese Air Force Base (TX), 1970-73, chief of engineering and construction programs, 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, Bitburg Air Base (Ger.), 1973-76, director of programming, Headquarters North American Air Defense Command, Colorado Springs, 1976-79, engineering and services director, Headquarters Air Defense Tactical Air Command, Peterson Air Force Base (CO), 1979-81, deputy commander, site engineer, USAF Europe, Site Alpha (Egypt), 1981-82, civil engring director, Distant Early Warning Office, Peterson Air Force Base, 1982-84; engineering section manager, TRW Systems Integration Group, 1984-92, engineering management consultant, ITT Federal Service Corporation, 1993 -, Colorado Springs.
Member of: past vice president, committee chairman, Society of American Military Engineers; president, board directors member, USAF Academy Parents Club; USAF Academy Association of Graduates; Air Force Association; Retired Officers Association; district chairman, Executive Committee Council, Boy Scouts of America; active member, Parent Teacher Association.
Honors: Outstanding Civil Engring Officer, Air Training Command, 1971, 1972; Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3 times), Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (4 times), Air Force Commendation Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Four Campaign Devices, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, USAF.
Served with: United States Air Force (USAF), major, 1959-84
Affiliation: Independent. Roman Catholic
Languages: English, Polish, Russian
Hobbies: golf, gardening, hunting
Home: 4767 Bunchberry Ln., Colorado Springs, CO 80917
From: "Who's Who in Polish America" 1st Edition 1996-1997, Boleslaw Wierzbianski editor; Bicentennial Publishing Corporation, New York, NY, 1996