62nd Airlift Wing
1/28/2015 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- After 45 years of waiting, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Campbell, a Gig Harbor, Wash., resident and Vietnam Veteran received his Purple Heart during a ceremony at the American Lake Veterans Hospital Chapel, Jan. 25th.
With more than 100 members in attendance, including members of Team McChord, local government agencies, community supporters and family, Campbell was presented his Purple Heart by Congressman Derek Kilmer, representing the 6th District of Washington.
"Today is a day to think of the obligations we owe all our men and women who have served their country," said Kilmer. "Whether they have served in past or current conflicts, our nation has a solemn obligation to properly recognize them for their service.
"Today is a day to say thank you to John, to honor John and remember those obligations. Today we reflect on the fact it is never too late to say thank you."
Campbell was wounded Jan. 1, 1970, during an enemy attack while he was stationed in Laos. Due to the fact that his mission was classified, he was forced to wait for it to become declassified and in 2014 it was and he was awarded his Purple Heart with a back date of Jan. 1, 1970.
"The early morning hours of Jan. 1, 1970 my life changed forever," said Campbell. "I was wounded after a rocket hit our location and killed my fellow service brothers Bob, Tony and Dennis. To me, the real reason I am here today is to honor these men who lost their lives that day.
"War is not like what you see in the movies and of most of you here today know this. I will never know my fellow service brothers full names or anything more about them but I will remember them with the memories I have of them and honor them with his ceremony."
One of the members that Campbell talked about remembering was Capt. James Cross, an Air Force member he had served with and who was missing in action until late 2008.
"The POW/MIA table in the back of the room today is so important to me," said Campbell. "It is a remembrance of my brothers like Capt. Cross and it is a constant reminder of the men that gave their lives for me."
Campbell returned from Laos to his family and began to make an immediate impact on his community.
"Staff Sgt. Campbell's story becomes more heroic as we reflect on his action after his return to our community," said Kilmer. "He came to the Northwest and made it his life's goal to help save those who needed help in the community."
Campbell dedicated his life to help troubled children, young teenagers and battered women. He became a sponsor of a teenage youth group and later became an executive of the Genesis House, a place to help protect battered women and children, mentor them and give them the skills needed to turn their lives around.
"Staff Sgt. Campbell exemplifies the distinction that has been bestowed upon him for his service and I am proud to be a part of this ceremony today," said Kilmer. "I am eternally grateful for his service to our country and his ongoing contributions to this community."
"I want to thank my wife of 46 years and my son for supporting me through these years," said Campbell. "It was not until 2010 that they learned for the first time that I was in combat and was the only one to come home, they didn't even know I was wounded as I just never talked about it.
"They have loved me and supported me through all those years and I am grateful they are here today to share in this ceremony with me."
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