Roger and Shirley Helle were honored with the 2026 American Patriot Award by the Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation during its 12th Annual American Heroes Dinner last Friday, recognizing more than five decades of service to their country, veterans and countless individuals searching for hope and a second chance.

The Helles' story is one of military service, sacrifice, faith, perseverance and a lifelong commitment to helping others.

As a young Marine, Roger Helle answered his nation's call and served three combat tours in Vietnam.

He was wounded three times, the last so severely that, at just 22 years old, he lay in a military hospital and overheard a doctor tell his twin brother that he was not expected to survive.
In that moment, Roger cried out to God with a simple promise: “If You let me live, I will do anything You ask of me.”

Roger survived, but returning home did not mean the war was over. Along with the physical wounds that earned him the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V,” three Purple Hearts, two Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry medals and numerous other military honors, he carried the invisible wounds of war. For several years, those unseen battles threatened his future and career.

Then, in December 1974, Roger and Shirley committed themselves to following Jesus Christ, beginning a new chapter centered on serving others.

Roger eventually left a successful career, and together they devoted nearly four decades to helping men and women overcome addiction, hopelessness and despair through Teen Challenge. They helped pioneer recovery programs in Nebraska and Iowa before Roger went on to lead Teen Challenge of the Mid-South in Tennessee. Along the way, they walked beside thousands of people whose lives were transformed because someone believed they were worth fighting for.

Roger's commitment to service did not end with his work in addiction recovery.

Since 1989, he has returned to Vietnam with Vets With A Mission, not carrying a rifle, but carrying compassion. Alongside fellow veterans, he has helped build medical clinics, provide healthcare to rural communities and promote reconciliation in the very country where he once fought.

By sitting face-to-face with former enemies, Roger has become a living example of the power of forgiveness and the possibility of healing after war.

Today, Roger continues to speak across the nation, encouraging veterans, churches, nonprofit organizations and communities with a message of hope. Shirley continues to serve faithfully alongside him, as she has for more than five decades.

The Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation believes patriotism is more than love for and defense of country. It also means recognizing that the freedoms so many have fought and died to preserve carry a responsibility to live with purpose, integrity and service to others.

Roger and Shirley Helle have lived that calling with humility and faithfulness to their country, to veterans and to countless people searching for hope.

For their extraordinary service to our nation, their enduring commitment to helping others and the legacy they continue to build, the Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation was proud to present the 2026 American Patriot Award to Roger and Shirley Helle.