Project Campbell's Call

To make a big difference, we show up in big ways.
 

About Project Campbell’s Call

Nels first heard about Chris Campbell while working as an accountant at Kerkering Barberio, where he met his coworker and friend, Cindy Campbell. One day, Cindy lent Nels a book that told the story of a Navy SEAL who served the country for almost 15 years. In 2011, the Navy SEAL, along with 30 other military soldiers, were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. That Navy SEAL was Chris Campbell.

As Nels read the book, he was inspired by Chris’s story and his last wish, which stated that if anything happened to him, he wanted for 100,000 people to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project®, a veteran services organization that provides life-saving services and programs to wounded service members.

Since reading the book, Nels couldn’t get Chris’s story out of his head and he knew he had to do something to help. So he started training for Project Campbell’s Call, a transcontinental run, in 2022 to fulfill Chris’s last wish, but after injuring his leg during a running event and consulting with doctors and physical therapists, Nels postponed the run. Then, in early 2024, something incredible happened. Support for Project Campbell's Call, combined with thousands of other supporters, achieved Chris’s wish for 100,000 donors to the WWP.

With Chris’s last wish fulfilled, T4N1 honored the Navy SEAL and shared his story through an event called Project Campbell's Call, where Nels ran a 3,063.55 miles from California to New York in 46 days, 17 hours, and 26 minutes. Project Campbell's Call aims to raise $306,355 ($100 for every mile) to support WWP warriors and their families. Just as every step counted in Nels' journey, every dollar counts toward empowering Chris's legacy. 

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  • 2011Chris Campbell passes away in Afghanistan

    In 2011, Chris, along with 29 other military soldiers and one service dog, were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

  • 2020Nels is Inspired by Chris’s story

    Nels heard about Chris while working as an accountant with Chris’s sister, Cindy Campbell, and was inspired by Chris’s story and last wish. This is the birth of Project Campbell's Call!

  • 2024Chris Campbell's wish is achieved.

    Support for Project Campbell's Call, combined with thousands of other supporters, achieved Chris Campbell's wish for 100K Donors to the Wounded Warriors Project.

  • October 24, 2025Nels completes his transcontinental run

    Nels Matson arrived at New York City Hall after running 46 days, 17 hours and 26 minutes from San Francisco City Hall-- making it into the list of top five fastest known times for the feat in history, to honor Chris's legacy of service.

About Chris Campbell

Chris Campbell was a dedicated son and brother known for his infectious smile and personality. An avid outdoorsman and surfer, Chris was passionate about hunting, ocean conservation, and beach sand dune preservation.

As a member of the US Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), also known as SEAL Team 6, he completed numerous deployments worldwide in support of the Global War on Terrorism. His exemplary service earned him multiple awards, including two Bronze Star Medals with Valor, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, a Purple Heart Medal, and many other personal and unit decorations.

Known for his motto, "Keep it light! & Stay stoked on life!” Chris's legacy reflects his unwavering commitment to his family, his country, and the causes he cherished. To learn more about Chris, visit his sister’s Cindy’s blog, where she beautifully captures Chris’s life and memory.

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A headshot photo of Chris Campbell in his Navy Uniform