Local vet inspires Ellsworth

Monday, January 25, 2010
U.S. Congressman Brad Ellsworth, left, spoke to Putnam County democrats during the annual Jefferson Jackson dinner at the fairgrounds Saturday night. Ellsworth said he drew inspiration for his work in Washington from veterans like 92-year-old Helen Hurst, second from right.

GREENCASTLE -- Eighth District Congressman Brad Ellsworth told Putnam County resident Helen Hurst she was his inspiration to go back to work in Washington.

Hurst is a World War II veteran who served in North Africa. The feisty 92-year-old attended the annual Democratic Jefferson Jackson dinner Saturday night wearing her WWII uniform.

Ellsworth, who was the keynote speaker at the fundraiser, told Hurst, "Helen, at 92 years, you're my hero; you're my role model. You make me want to go back to Washington, DC and work that much harder."

The congressman ended the evening by asking the roomful of attendees to sing Happy Birthday to Hurst, who would celebrate her 93rd birthday on Sunday.

"Working for your fellow man is what it is all about," said Ellsworth of serving in congress. "As much as what we hear is wrong with this country, look at how much is right."

Ellsworth spoke about the recent earthquake in Haiti and the devastation saying that in the United States it would have been a much less tragic event.

"Building codes would have prevented some of it; rescuers would have been on the scene sooner and hundreds of volunteers would have been there sooner," he said.

He claims not to have been interested in politics, but wanting to serve people.

"If people can say he's worked hard, is honest, fair and studied hard and did the best he could then I've done my job," he said.

Ellsworth told the group that democrats and republicans have to work together.

"Last year we were on the brink of a great depression. It takes drastic means to come out of it. I didn't like voting for $700 billion stimulus package, but I called the people back home and asked them about it," he said.

As a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, Ellsworth says he wants to make "the golden years really golden."

"We're working to get there and it'll be okay," he stated.

Pete Buttigieg, Democratic candidate for state treasurer, introduced himself to local supporters Saturday evening.

In 1982, Ellsworth began his 24-year career in the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's office. He was twice decorated for heroism in the line of duty and graduated from the FBI National Academy.

In 1998, Ellsworth was elected Vanderburgh County Sheriff, where he completed two terms. He also served as President of the Indiana Sheriff's Association.

Born in Huntingburg, Ellsworth lived nearly all of his life in Evansville, where his father worked in the Warrick County Alcoa plant. He attended University of Southern Indiana where he received a bachelor's degree in sociology, and Indiana State University where he received a master's degree in criminology.

Ellsworth and his wife Beth reside in Evansville. They have a daughter, Andrea.

Also speaking briefly during the evening were Greencastle resident and State Representative Nancy Michael, Vop Osili running for Indiana Secretary of State and Pete Buttigieg vying for the State Treasurer spot.

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  • Helen~you look at beautiful today as you did 38 yrs ago, when you taught/nurse @ Reelsville Elementary. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    -- Posted by didisaythat? on Mon, Jan 25, 2010, at 7:30 AM
  • HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY(HELEN)MRS. HURST.

    I REMEMBER TO RESPECT MY ELDERS!! HA HA HA

    -- Posted by BIG DOG DADDY on Mon, Jan 25, 2010, at 11:22 AM
  • Mr. Ellsworth I wish you would try to be honest for once. You vote however they(democratic party) tell you to. I find it ironic that you speak of" working for your fellow man" when you have only selfish agendas. Please don't run for reelection.

    -- Posted by worrieddaddy on Mon, Jan 25, 2010, at 7:54 PM
  • For him to say he is not interested in politics is ridiculous! We have to take this country back in November and Mr. Ellsworth has to go. His votes for the Nancy Pelosi Democratic agenda does not represent us.

    -- Posted by justasking on Mon, Jan 25, 2010, at 9:20 PM
  • Congrats Mrs. Hurst!!! Thank you VERY much for your service.

    Don't forget Brad's deeds come November folks. The Dems are counting on smoke and mirrors from Obama to divert your attention long enough to get these left wing loons back.

    Just say no.

    -- Posted by Catie's Dad on Tue, Jan 26, 2010, at 2:31 PM
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