Helmer’s Happenings: May 7th 2025

Dear Friend,

It’s been more than twenty years since I lost my first friend in a war in April 2004. Every Memorial Day, I think about him and the others I lost over two decades of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I think about those for whom the psychological scars of war were long lasting and ultimately fatal – a suspicious motorcycle death, a death from alcoholism attendant to PTSD. I think about others who I have met over the years who have suffered the complications born of the environment in which they served — the impacts of Agent Orange in Vietnam, the burning oil fields and other toxins that are likely behind Gulf War Syndrome, those who died from diseases caused by the burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At least once a day I think of their sacrifices. I think of the decisions that put them in harm’s way as well – and particularly of the political cowardice exhibited by every member of Congress who voted to authorize a war of choice in Iraq.

In uniform it was the honor of a lifetime to stand side by side with those willing to put their lives on the line for our country, even when those who signed up didn’t agree with the decisions of our political leaders. In remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice this and every Memorial Day, we pay homage to their service and to the ideas and ideals of an America worth serving. I believe in that America.


Warm Regards,


Dan

Summer Happenings 

I was able to sit down with the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild to discuss the ways we are working towards protecting the craft brewing industry across Virginia. 

I had a great time talking with the FCDC Franconia District Committee and hearing about the issues that matter most to our community.

The testing reform bill I passed with my colleague in the General Assembly is a game changer for parents, students, and teachers. This article and graph show exactly how we’re bringing real transparency and accountability to our education system—and why it matters.

I was honored to have attended Lindsey Doughtery’s Campaign Kick-Off and am happy to support such a driven advocate.

I enjoyed talking with the FCDC State and Local Affairs Committee about the work we’re doing in the House Democratic Caucus. 


I had a blast at the “May the Force Be With You” Braddock Dems Fundraiser with great conversations, community energy, and a little Star Wars Fun.

I kicked off our campaign with an incredible fundraiser with guest Jay Jones. I’m grateful for the support and am excited for the road ahead. 

Top of the Tenth

If you were on Main Street in Clifton on April 13th, you probably noticed the rows of motorcycles, the smell of breakfast in the air, and a crowd that looked right at home. It was the April edition of Bikes & Breakfast, a monthly meetup at The Main Street Pub that’s become a staple in the local community.

Starting at 8 AM, the event brought together riders, regulars, and neighbors. Bull Run Harley-Davidson sponsored the event, offering raffle tickets and a look at some of their newest models. As always, the staff at Clifton Café and the Pub kept things running smoothly.

What started as a space for vintage bike owners has grown into something more inclusive — a laid-back Sunday tradition where anyone with an appreciation for motorcycles and community can show up, talk shop, and grab breakfast.

If you missed it, no worries — it will be happening again on May 11 at 8 am!

Local Events

We know how difficult it can be to get to the DMV, and so we have decided to bring the DMV to us for a day. Our office is sponsoring a “DMV Connect” clinic to help.
The DMV Clinic will be held on Wednesday, May 14th, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at VFW Post 8469, 5703 Vogue Rd. Fairfax Station, VA 22039.

Schedule your appointment with DMV Connect at dmv.virginia.gov/appointments 

Men’s A Cappella Ensemble

May 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM

6720 Union Mill Rd, Clifton, VA, 20124As part of the St. Andrew the Apostle Concert Series, Brethren — a men’s professional singing group from Northern Virginia — will be hosting a free concert this Sunday! Brethren has musicians from professional, military, and church backgrounds. For more information, please visit here!

9th Annual SYA Frog Hair Golf Classic

May 30, 2025

Twin Lakes Golf Club, Clifton, VAThe Southwest Youth Association (SYA) is hosting its 9th annual Frog Hair Golf Classic on May 30, 2025. The proceeds from the event will support SYA Sports and Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM). This beloved community tradition brings together golf enthusiasts, local businesses, and families for a fun- day on the green, all for a fantastic cause. WFCM helps qualified residents of western Fairfax County who face food insecurity and financial instability. If you are interested in participating, please register on their website.

Nominations Needed!!!!!!
One of the best parts about serving in the General Assembly is being able to honor individuals, groups and organizations in the 10th district that deserve recognition with a Commending or Memorial Resolution. Know a person who has given back to the community, a group engaged in an activity worthy of noting, a small business doing a great job, or a team that has excelled either on the field or off? Tell us about it! We can also honor significant anniversaries both for couples and institutions, as well as remember those that have passed. Give us all the details by emailing us at deldhelmer@house.virginia.gov  and a member of my staff will be in touch.

Resources for Laid-Off Federal Workers
Applying for Unemployment

Job Search Resources

Federal

State

Local

Health Care Resources

Family Services Assistance

Housing & Rental Assistance Resources

Misc. Assistance and Resources

Human Services

Miscellaneous Resources

Ongoing Community Resources
Unemployment Assistance

Many individuals have reached out to our office regarding troubles with the Virginia Employment Commission. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, whether it be from the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) or elsewhere, our office is happy to help. Please email our office at DelDHelmer@house.virginia.gov. 

Affordable Broadband for Students

Cox internet is announcing a new program: Connect2Compete (C2C), designed to provide low-income households with school-aged children with affordable broadband service. Virginia families that participate in any government assistance program are eligible for C2C—and can subscribe to speeds up to 100 Mbps download for just $9.95/month. You can learn more about the program here: www.cox.com/digitalequity

Fighting to Keep Life Affordable

If you or someone you know needs assistance, I have provided resources below that may be helpful. In addition, you may always reach out to our office by email at DelDHelmer@house.virginia.gov – and we will work to connect you with community partners.

 General resources:

●  Commonhelp: https://www.commonhelp.virginia.gov/

●  FCPS Family Services: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/

●  PWC Mutual Aid: Prince William County Mutual Aid’s Resources and Services Request Page is available to those living in the region, as well as those from Fairfax County. You can also contact them directly at pwcmutualaid@gmail.com, or find more information about the organization on their Facebook page.

Food resources:

●  Food for Others: https://foodforothers.org/

●  Western Fairfax Christian Ministries: https://wfcmva.org/; provides food and rent assistance to community members.

●  FACETS: http://facetscares.org/; This program serves hot meals to unhoused individuals in the Fairfax Circle area. Roughly 100 meals are cooked and served once a month.

Labor resources:

●  The Centreville Labor Resource Center: http://centrevilleimmigrationforum.org/centreville-labor-resource-center/

●  The Virginia Career Works: https://vcwnorthern.com/fa-booking/

Rent and housing resources:

●  Cornerstones: https://www.cornerstonesva.org/

To find the cheapest fuel prices, you can visit this website, which allows you to compare gas prices in your area.

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