A Navy SEAL for 13 years, with multiple deployments overseas, Chris Campbell was even awarded the Bronze Star for Valor after saving the life of one of his SEAL team members.
He carried out an illustrious military career that suddenly came to an end one year ago Monday.
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“We are just proud of him, and thank the Lord that he let us have him for as long as we did,” said Larry Campbell, Chris’ father.
What continues to define Chris Campbell, even after his death, is one final mission to bring awareness to wounded warriors, and the family he left behind is now trying desperately to get others to give to the cause.
“I didn't know how many he wanted, just 100,000? There are 300 million people in the U.S.,” said Campbell.
Still, the family's quest has been harder than first expected.
One year after Chris' death, more than 1,200 people have donated in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project, raising over $80,000.
Five hundred of those people gave in the last two weeks alone after NewsChannel 3 got involved, along with the website TroopSwap.com.
It's an incredible feat, but it's not even close to what Chris requested.
“Chris just wanted 100,000 people to donate a dollar,” said Campbell. “We as a nation need to step up and help these guys the best we can.”
Guys like Rick Fry, who broke his back serving as a combat medic for SEAL Team 8 in Afghanistan. He knows first-hand the importance of Chris' mission to give back to wounded warriors.
“I think he might have known this would help them, it helps me, it helps everyone,” said Fry.
He and his wife Jennifer opened up their wallets, as well as encouraged everyone they know to give.
“It would show America hasn't lost interest. I still have people coming up to me, thanking me for my service, but guys are still at war. I know it’s been a long one, but they are still out there getting hurt,” said Fry.
For Chris' family, nothing would mean more on the one-year anniversary of his death.
“By them participating, giving back to wounded warriors, that’s one way they can say they helped in this war,” said Campbell.
MAKE SURE TO TYPE “CHRIS CAMPBELL” IN HONOREE SECTION AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
Click here to donate through mail.Download the form and mail check to:
Wounded Warrior Project
P.O. Box 758517
Topeka, Kansas 66675
MAKE SURE YOU PUT “IN HONOR OF CHRIS CAMPELL” ON FORM AND ON CHECK
