WHEREAS, Gracelia Joy R. Helring, a proud veteran, devoted educator, and respected community leader in Arlington, has selflessly offered her time and talents in service to others for more than 70 years; and

WHEREAS, a native of McMinn County, Tennessee, Joy Helring attended the Women's College of the University of North Carolina; desirous to be of service to her country, she joined the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service during World War II; and

WHEREAS, after the war, Joy Helring worked in the Veterans Administration as a counselor on career choices and housing assistance for returning veterans; and

WHEREAS, completing her honorable military service, Joy Helring helped prepare students for further education, careers, and responsible citizenship as an elementary school teacher in North Carolina and Maryland for 25 years; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 55, Joy Helring retired from teaching and pursued a law degree from George Mason University; she was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 1982 and practiced immigration law for 30 years; and

WHEREAS, encouraging others to do their civic duty, Joy Helring served as a poll watcher for 13 hours straight during the 2008 presidential election; she also offered her wise leadership to the Arlington Heights Neighborhood Civic Association as the association's vice president in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Joy Helring is an exemplar of community spirit and the importance of serving others, and she remains a vibrant and dynamic member of the Arlington community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Gracelia Joy R. Helring for her more than 70 years of diligent community service and leadership; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Gracelia Joy R. Helring as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and respect for her contributions to the Commonwealth and the United States.