About Us

My name is Larry Poh and I am the sole proprietor of The Helmsman's Compass. Why did I choose this unique name for my business? I started my active duty Navy career aboard the USS Randolph (CVS 15) assigned to the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. When I reported aboard I was assigned to the ship's Navigation Department and assumed the responsibilities of a Quartermaster Seaman. Among numerous other duties the quartermaster serves as the ship's helmsman while the ship is underway. And, of course, the helmsman, in order to steer the ship and maintain the desired course through the water, must constantly refer to the ship's compass. The ship's compass, in a very real way, represents objective Truth. The safety of the ship and all aboard depend both on the accuracy of the compass and the skill of the helmsman. The combination and interaction of the helmsman and compass are important factors in the ship's safely reaching Homeport.

God is both The Helmsman and Compass of my life. He is constantly on watch, very patiently steering me in the direction He wants me to go. On several occasions He has taken action to save my life. On one such occasion, and I remember it as if it were only minutes ago instead of over a fourth of a century, I was flying a helicopter gunship on a night mission to extract Navy Seals from the U Minh Forest, a Viet Cong sanctuary in the Mekong Delta. He saved my life that night and the lives of the other pilot and the two door gunners.

I have been steered in the direction of presenting meaningful words to others. Over time the door to my business has remained open and the business has flourished.

The logo for the Helmsman's Compass is known throughout the world. The original painting was done for the June 1944 issue of The Catholic Church Extension Society's monthly magazine Extension.

So, that's the short history and philosophy of The Helmsman's Compass. I enjoy preparing these gifts for my customers and, more importantly, they enjoy giving them.

Thank you for visiting my site.

Sincerely,
Larry Poh