Richard A Helton
Rank: Unknown
Entered Into Eternal Rest
2025-08-18
From Sareena Hilton (Richard's daugther),
Richard Allen Helton
September 18, 1946 – August 17, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard Allen Helton, age 78, of Fort Walton Beach, FL, who passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025.
Born on September 18, 1946, in San Diego, CA, at the North Island U.S. Naval Air Station, Richard was the beloved son of Master Sergeant Lacey Helton and Eleanor Helton (née Hooper). A graduate of Miami Norland Senior High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 19 during the Vietnam War.
After completing Basic Military Training, Richard went on to graduate from the USAF Combat Control School at Stewart AFB in Tennessee. He completed special skills training at the U.S. Army Airborne School, where he also passed Jumpmaster School and was awarded the Parachute Rigger badge. In preparation for deployment, he completed Jungle Warfare Training in Panama, Sea Survival School at Homestead AFB in Florida, and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training at Fairchild AFB in Washington State.
Richard was first deployed to Turkey, where he jumped with Turkish Airborne units. Most of his military service was spent in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, where he served across all four core regions of Vietnam. He was part of the first class of Air Force members from the 7th Special Forces Group to graduate from Recondo School—at a time when the 82nd Airborne Division was the only Vietnam-era division composed entirely of airborne-qualified troops.
A master parachutist, Richard completed one combat jump in Vietnam. He was part of a ten-man Recondo team that parachuted into a Vietnamese Special Forces camp to open air drop zones for supply missions. He served as an advisor to Vietnamese Rangers and organized drop zones for the Vietnamese Jump School. For his valor, he was awarded Vietnamese Master Jump Wings, a Vietnam Service Medal, and a Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster.
Richard was most proud of his service to his country as a Combat Controller in the United States Air Force. After his honorable discharge, he dedicated his career to growing a small business and became a respected member of the dry-cleaning industry in the Fort Walton Beach area. Those who knew Richard also knew of his deep love for the country and people of Thailand.
Beyond his work, Richard was devoted to his family. He was a loving father to his daughters, Sareena and Nathalee, and a proud grandfather to Ryler, Rowan, and Coin. He guided them with strength, faith, and compassion—leaving a legacy of love, honor, and generosity.
Richard is survived by his daughters, Sareena (Casey) and Nathalee (Gabriel); his grandchildren, Ryler, Rowan, and Coin; his sister, Susan (Mickey); his nieces, Stephanie (Scott), April (Andrew), and Sarah (Scott); his nephew, Ben; and his brother-in-law, Visit (Nansaruch). He is also survived by many other relatives and friends whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lacey and Eleanor; his brother-in-law, Saras; and his sister-in-law, Sue.
A visitation will be held this fall, with details to be shared with friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Combat Control Foundation or the American Cancer Society Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge.
Richard’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know him.
Respectfully,
CCA Board of Directors
