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For local Iraq war veteran, every day is Memorial Day.CADILLAC — Jakob Helsel is in the tree trimming business and he regularly does work for the city in Maple Hill Cemetery.In the course of his job, Helsel often passes by the gravestones of fellow veterans, some who lost their lives fighting for the freedoms we all enjoy as Americans.“I think about them,” Helsel said.“I think about this stuff every day.” On Memorial Day, people throughout the U.S.pay their respects to the service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the country.Not to be confused with Veterans Day in November, which acknowledges the service of all veterans, not just the ones who died in war.While Memorial Day often is associated with the unofficial start to summer, complete with backyard barbecues and family get-togethers, the day remains a somber time of reflection for many, especially veterans and families who’ve lost loved ones in war.Helsel enlisted in the Navy in 2004.He chose the Navy because he was always interested in jets.He started his time in the service working on the hydraulic flaps of F/A-18 fighter jets — the same aircraft used by the famed Blue Angels.Helsel eventually was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, where he switched to corrosion control, which involves the application of paint to aircraft.Helsel worked alongside the jet pilots, who would do circles over the ocean and practice landings and take offs.He recalls spending countless hours watching the jets take off and land at the base.Returning to civilian life was challenging for Helsel, who found it difficult adjusting to the more slow-paced environment and lack of structure in day-to-day life.“It was annoying,” Helsel said about the difference in urgency between life in the military and back home.“I was always thinking, ‘let’s get this going here.’” For years, Helsel tried to acclimate himself to being a civilian again but eventually realized he needed help.Asking for help can be very difficult for many veterans, in part because they don’t know who to talk to.“They don’t know where to start,” Helsel said, “and it can take so long, with all the paperwork and everything ...it’s a lot of hurry up and wait.It gets exhausting.” Like many veterans, Helsel joined the military at a time in his life when he felt “10-foot tall and bullet proof.” This feeling made it extra difficult to accept the fact that he couldn’t return to civilian life on his own.The Veterans Affairs clinic in Cadillac has been a huge help, Helsel said.Veterans can walk in and staff know exactly how to assist them in getting the help and services they need, from medical appointments to therapy and everything in between.Helsel said he feels acclimated to civilian life now but there still are times when he finds it difficult to keep his anger in check, including when he sees others disrespecting or diminishing the sacrifices made by his fellow service members.“There are a lot of 18-19 year olds that never came home,” Helsel said.“It’s your freedom they died that for.They gave up their life so you could be free.” One thing that Helsel said people in the community should be aware of is that there are lot of veterans out there that still need help, including some who you might interact with on a regular basis.“Just talk to them,” Helsel said.“Take them aside and tell them they’re not alone ...There is help out there.” In addition to the Duane E.Dewey VA clinic in Cadillac, and Wexford County Veteran Services, another organizations that helps area veterans in need is Veterans in Crisis, which was formed in 2018.Veterans in Crisis serves 14 counties in this part of Michigan, including Wexford and Missaukee.Since the organization’s inception, Veterans in Crisis has provided direct relief to more than 400 veterans and their families in northern Michigan for a total of over $650,000.The organization helps with a variety of needs, including car repairs, propane, firewood, rent, mortgage payments, home repairs, medical and dental issues, and utility bills, among others.Assistance provided is rapid, confidential and without the usual red tape that often comes with seeking help elsewhere.Veterans who need help can visit veteransincrisis.org or call (231) 493-6717.Community members who wish to support the organization can donate funds through the website, refer a veteran and share the Veterans in Crisis mission with others.