At North Linn High School, Staff Sergeant Aaron Helmrich amassed a record of 132-20 en route to winning three Tri-River Conference titles, three sectional crowns and became a three-time state qualifier by winning three district gold medals.

He was a sixth-place finisher in 2000 at 112 pounds and was the Class 1A state champion the following year at 112 while also placing fourth at the 2001 Disney National Duals.

After graduation, Helmrich wrestled at Ellsworth Community College for one year and then enlisted in the United States Army.

His first deployment was to Iraq in 2003 where he helped with the capture of Saddam Hussein. In 2005, Mr. Helmrich was deployed to Iraq a second time.

After his return, he received the Volunteer Service Award in 2008 for his 300 hours of service as a volunteer coach at North Hardin High School while being stationed in Radcliff, Kentucky from 2007-2009.

His third deployment in 2009 was again to Iraq and then in 2012 he was deployed to Afghanistan. It was during Helmrich's time in Afghanistan that he was awarded the Purple Heart, along with 12 other military achievement awards.

Today, he is an assistant coach at Sergeant Bluff-Luton High School, a position he has held since 2013.

He was the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association's Northwest Iowa Assistant Coach of the Year last season.

In his free time, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife, Theresa, and children, Gable (4) and Zadie (2).

Helmrich also goes back to Northeast Iowa to help on the family farm when he is able.