Is It Time To Ring The Bell?

Do you have moments in life that make you ask yourself, are you kidding me? Shortly after my brother was killed, I had one of those moments. Learning that Chris left a wish that 100,000 people would donate to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) fit the “are you kidding me?” criteria, in a big way!

I had never heard of WWP before August 6th, 2011. My google search made my heart fill with pride as I started going through the website. They serve ALL branches of the military and ALL ranks. Race, religion or gender does not matter! If someone served in the military after 9/11, the programs and services offered by WWP are there for them. The organization exists “to help foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history”. 

My brother, a little kid from a town in North Carolina, grew up to be a member of one of the most elite military forces, and in spite of that, retained a sense of compassion for others as he considered his own death and left his final request – one that defied death and inspired life. What was Chris’ final wish?

Chris hoped 100,000 people would donate to Wounded Warrior Project – that’s 100,000 donors, not dollars! It’s been over 12 years since this journey began to help my brother achieve his death defying legacy. I’ve questioned my brother’s sanity, and it has certainly made me question my own as the choice was made to answer his call to action. 

In the BUD/S program, one where men undertake the first step towards becoming a Navy SEAL, there is a bell that the men can ring to indicate they are quitting. Chris did NOT ring the bell. I’m not saying he didn’t think about it. The journey to reach 100,000 donors has been challenging; however, it has never been an option to “ring the bell”. 

So, today, February 6th, 2024, almost 26 years after Chris graduated from BUD/S, we are celebrating that my brother’s last request has been achieved!!! 138,625 people heard the call and made a contribution to Wounded Warrior Project in his memory. How do you process this massive accomplishment that required literally thousands of people to unite? There have been words of praise, tears of happiness and squeals of joy! 

There are so many people to thank for making this happen! If you are reading this and you played a role, thank you is not enough, but it’s all I have. Thank you for being a part of Chris’ legacy of helping others. Because of you, Chris lives on in the lives of our wounded service members who turn to WWP on their journey. 

So, where does that leave Project Campbell’s Call? The mission continues… the work must go on! The run across America will now be a “victory lap” to celebrate my brother’s life, and we will stay focused in our effort to raise awareness for Wounded Warrior Project. There is no finish line in the work WWP does, so as we acknowledge this incredible achievement, we will remain committed to spreading the word to bring attention to the remarkable efforts to “foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history”. 

I’ll leave you with this beautiful African Proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”