The Final Mission and an Extra Mile
Chris Campbell’s Service After Sacrifice
Navy SEAL Chris Campbell only ever knew one calling – to help others.
But on Aug. 6, 2011, after nearly 15 years of service, Chris made the ultimate sacrifice in a helicopter crash in the Afghanistan desert alongside many other SEALs and service members. The call of the crash was heard across the United States, reaching news outlets coast to coast, but none heard it louder than the families of those lost. Especially Chris’ big sister, Cindy.
“He loved the ocean and believed in caring for our beaches. It wasn't uncommon to see him in flip-flops, shirtless, and a surfboard in hand. As a lifeguard, he met a couple of Navy SEALS. That put him on a path to explore what it took to go that direction.” said Cindy. “This curly brown-haired little boy grew to be a daring and risk-taking teenager who, as a man, became a patriot and proud defender of freedom.”
Shortly after her brother’s death, Cindy learned that Chris’ last wish was for 100,000 people to donate to Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) – a wish that Chris left on a handwritten note with his will.
Although Cindy had never heard of WWP™ before reading Chris’ note, she knew she had work to do.
“I remember thinking, ‘he didn't talk to me about this,’” she said. “I immediately went to my laptop and looked up Wounded Warrior Project and was blown away. I remember feeling so much love and awe and pride.”
Chris had one final mission, and she was determined to help him see it through.
Focusing on making his wish a reality meant her brother could live on, so stopping short of 100,000 donors was never an option.
Cindy contacted WWP, and the organization sent out donation requests and television ads to share Chris’ story and help fulfill his final request. Thirteen years later, in February 2024, generous Americans helped the Campbell family accomplish Chris’ final mission with 100,000 donors in his name.
“That is a lot of caring and compassionate people who realize that, beyond the battlefield, our military service members are worthy of support, should they need it,” said Cindy. “To think that they were inspired to give in Chris' memory is emotional. In talking with my mom over the years, she has expressed a fear that Chris would be forgotten. But he lives on through every donor and wounded service member who has been helped.”
He lives on through every donor and wounded service member who has been helped.
With over 140,450 donors now, Project Campbell’s Call is heading toward a new mission. To continue honoring Chris’ legacy, the Campbells are now running the extra mile – literally.
This year, endurance athlete and Project Campbell Call teammate Nels Matson will run coast to coast across America, sharing Chris’ story and the mission and impact of WWP. His sights are set on beating the world record for the fastest cross-country run.
Will Nels beat the 42-day, 6.5-hour record? Regardless, the extra mile will go a long way. The greatest casualty is being forgotten, and Project Campbell’s Call is determined to share stories of warriors like Chris, so their legacies live on.
“I'm so thankful to the many who heard Chris’ call to action and were willing to pick him up and carry his request across the finish line,” Cindy said. “This Memorial Day, as our family and so many others remember their loved ones who died while serving our country, let's focus on Chris' death-defying request that provides encouragement and inspiration to his military brothers and sisters.”
Find out how you can help WWP serve our nation’s warriors.
Contact: Kaitlyn McCue, Public Relations, kmccue@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.870.1964
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about how the organization supports veterans.