19 years and counting with the Army National Guard

LAUREL — “One weekend a month, two weeks a year,” this is a phrase many associate with the Nebraska Army National Guard.  Many civilians do not fully comprehend what this sacrifice means.

For Jody Campbell and his family,  they fully understand what “one weekend a month, two weeks a year” entails. Campbell and wife, Melissa, have three daughters; Jayden, Madyson,  and Camryn.

In November, Campbell will have served 19 years in the Army National Guard, having joined in 1999.

He serves as part of the transportation unit out of the 189th Unit in Wayne.

In 2005, Campbell left Nebraska traveling to Fort Riley, Kansas for deployment readiness training. He was able to come home on leave for a short time before he was deployed to Iraq. He served a one year tour of duty.

Campbell is the middle of three brothers, all three brothers were deployed during 2005-2006 in the same area of Iraq.

Military service seems to run in the family as both of Campbell’s grandfathers served in World War II.

While deployed, Campbell’s wife helped to chair the 189th Family Readiness Group support system for the Wayne Unit, a position she still is passionate about.

When Campbell’s family talks about his service, one can feel the pride each family member has for him. The couple’s three daughters do have an understanding of the sacrifice Campbell has made, not only for his country but his family.

“He went out of the United States and fought for our country,” said daughter Madyson.

Campbell continues to serve his “one weekend a month, and two weeks a year.”

“Camryn puts on dad’s helmet and tries to hide in his duffel bag when it’s time for him to leave for training,” said daughter Jayden.

When asked about dad’s military career, daughter Camryn says how she “thinks her dad’s dog tags are pretty cool.”

“It’s tough, and he does miss out on some things while he’s away. We make a family count down when he is gone,” said Melissa.

Daughter Jayden said he is missed when he is gone.

“It’s sad when he has to miss out on family events,” continues daughter Jayden.

Campbell continues to serve as part of the 189th Unit, and has assisted when the unit has been called to assist with clean-up efforts, such as cleaning up after tornadoes that affected Nebraska residents.