Mike Helmers: The Blog

Helmers Holiday Smoked Turkey This recipe and experience brought to you from Amazing Ribs. Preparation Smoker Prep Use fruitwood Place tin foil pan into the water bowl Place gravy items into tin-foil pan add water till about 2 inches. Aim for a 325°F smoke Soak wood for smoking in apple-cider vinegar overnight, use chunks, not chips Turkey Prep Spatchcock turkey Add wet rub Preparing Wet Rub 4 tablespoons Simon & Garfunkel rub 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil or water Mix the herb blend with the oil....

Mike Reads a Book: The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov The Foundation is considered a classic Sci-Fi novel. Most people know Isaac Asimov for his iRobot novel that was made into a movie starring Will Smith. Asimov has done far more. iRobot was the first novel of his that I ever read. It was different. It read like a collection of short stories, like early Sherlock Holmes. I eventually learned that much of Asimov’s writing initially occured in SciFi magazines, where his work was published as novellas....

Back to talking about Congress. Specifically, Article 1, Sections 5-10 of the US Constitution. Lets find out what powers Congress has. Article I Section 5: Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide....

Here we’re getting into the meat of the thing. Today I’m writing about Article 1, Sections 1-4 of the US Constitution. This covers what Congress is, and how they’re elected. For ease of reading I’m spreading out the text of the Constitution and will be giving my commentary as we go. Article I Section 1: Congress All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives....

The Book: The Swarm by Orson Scott Card While on my deployment, I’ve really taken some time to relax on the beach and read. On my first weekend here, I went to the used bookstore on post and picked up a few paperback books. I love my Nook, but I don’t want it to be damaged by salt, sand, or surf. This is the first one I read. Warning: Heavy Spoilers to follow...

2020 was a year full of firsts. My first father’s day, my first pandemic, my first deployment. 2021 has certainly already had it’s share of firsts, but today isn’t one of them. I married Kristin 5 years ago today, and I am so happy to celebrate another anniversary. Out relationship has had many new hurdles over the last year, but more than ever, I love this woman. She’s an incredible mother, and an incredible partner....

The Constitution: The Preamble. Thoughts from Mike Helmers

One of the most frustrating tasks I have completed in my military career is how to put together a promotion packet. This is the packet required for advancing to any NCO rank within the US Army. For me, I’m attempting to earn my stripes and become a Sergeant. In an effort to leave the world a better place than I found it, I’m documenting my process because apparently I’m the first person to be confused by this process....

Here’s my abridged history of Cuba. While we do not know much about per-Columbian Cuba, the island was inhabited by an Arawak tribe called the Taíno. After Christopher Columbus landed in 1492, things went downhill. The locals were enslaved by the Spanish and most died off following the waves of European diseases that the colonizer brought with them. Measles and smallpox were the main diseases that caused this disaster. The Spanish used the island for plantations and as a colonial outpost, overseeing their colonial holdings in the western hemisphere....

I will soon be mobilized and sent to an undisclosed location