Posted by Joe Helmick on July 23, 2014:

This is my tribute to a steadfast friend. Lee and I didn't cross paths while at West Point; we became friends during our first troop assignment in Gelnhausen, Germany. Every day since then I've felt privileged to call him my friend. Lee's defining characteristic was, and always has been, that he always practiced what he preached. Over nearly three decades, I never once knew Lee to act out of accord with the principles that he defended and professed. He was steadfast. Lee's character brings to mind the words of MacArthur's address, for me at least: I can recount many times when Lee's courage buoyed up my own failing courage, when his faith helped restore mine, when he breathed new life into my forlorn hopes. He lovingly served as my watchtower, my compass, and the kindred spirit at my shoulder. We shared joys and troubles, and as the cliche predicts, my troubles were halved and my joys doubled. He guided me through my toughest times. In the Howitzer, it was written about me that I was a soulmate to lucky few. Whether I lived up to that or not, I certainly was lucky to count him among my few soulmates. He lived better than I have lived, and he loved better than I have loved; I am richer for having known him, and feel impoverished for having lost him so early. Be thou at peace, steadfast friend.

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