Vietnam veteran visits fallen IP memorial, others across US

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ariel D. Delgado
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  After what may seem like an infinite road trip, Bruce Campbell, Vietnam veteran, made a stop here at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on Friday Jan. 24, his 238th day on the road.

Campbell visited the memorial honoring 22 fallen instructor pilots who taught here before going to Vietnam.

The Denver, Colo., resident, who served as a Petty Officer 3rd Class in the Navy during the war, started visiting Vietnam memorials all over the U.S. as a part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Tour he founded.

Not realizing how many memorials the U.S. had, the research and planning led Campbell to discover that it wouldn't be a short trip, taking him four years to construct a "game plan."

"I had visited memorials in many different states," said Campbell. "I just suddenly got the idea to visit all of them. Of course when I got the idea, I thought there were only about 40 or 50 that I hadn't seen, and now I've stopped counting at 785."

Campbell's tour was designed to honor those with whom he fought alongside, those service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War.

"I like to do a little prayer at every stop to pay my respects," said Campbell. "We have to remember those who sacrificed their life for our country."

Campbell's original idea was to end the tour on March 30 in Washington D.C. for the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn't agree with his plans, giving Campbell trouble along the way with weather issues, causing him to extend his deadline. Although Campbell has had some obstacles throughout his trip, he wishes to continue his tour until meeting his goal.

"I will keep going until I have completed my mission, heading back home sometime in April," said Campbell.