Major Shawn Matthew Campbell USMC

Major Shawn Matthew Campbell, much loved son, husband, father, brother, and friend, was called home on Thursday, January14, 2016. He and eleven other brave and dedicated men died when their two CH-53E helicopters went down during a night training mission near the North Shore of Oahu. They were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, stationed on Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Shawn Campbell was born in Orange, CA on September 2, 1974. Following his family’s relocation to Houston, he attended Klein High School. He went on to receive a degree in Microbiology from Texas A&M University. While at A&M, Shawn met and fell in love with fellow Aggie, Kelli Day. They were married in College Station on August 19, 2000. Upon graduation in August 2001, Shawn received his commission as a Second Lieutenant. He was thrilled to be a United States Marine Corps Officer.

Shawn “NAFTA” Campbell received his gold wings in December 2003 and was designated a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot. He reported to Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina just in time to welcome his first son, Tristan. In April, 2005, then Lieutenant Campbell deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a Captain in 2007, he reported to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines to serve as a Forward Air Controller deployed to Northern Iraq. In 2008, Shawn transferred to HMH 366 in Cherry Point, North Carolina where he served as pilot and squadron Aviation Safety Officer. While there, he deployed to Iraq one last time.

Between deployments, Shawn and Kelli welcomed two daughters. First, Kenna, and later, Kate. Over the years, out of his dedication to God and family, Shawn led Bible studies in his home, mentored young Marines, served as a deacon at Harvest Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and played his guitar with the worship team at Trinity Church Central Oahu. After attending the Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia in 2010, Shawn became an instructor pilot at Marine Aviation Support Group 21 in Pensacola, Florida. He was promoted to the rank of Major and welcomed his fourth child, a son, Donovan. Major Campbell lived in community and truly loved teaching and mentoring the next generation of Naval Aviators.

From Pensacola, Shawn transferred to Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Here, he served at Marine Aircraft Group 24 as the Future and Current Operations Officer as well as Exercise Officer. He joined HMH 463 in 2015 as the Director of Safety and Standardization Officer and as Aviation Maintenance Officer.

Major Campbell’s decorations include the Air Medal with strike/flight device, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy Unit Commendation with two bronze stars in lieu of third award, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two bronze stars in lieu of third award.

Shawn is survived by his wife, Kelli Campbell, his four children, Tristan (age 12), Kenna (age 9), Kate (age 7), and Donovan (age 2), his mother and stepfather of Houston, Donna and Michael McGrew, and his grandmother, also of Houston, Thelma Nutter. His adult life was greatly influenced by his mentors, Don and Mary Campbell of College Station. Don became such a revered father figure to Shawn that before entering marriage and before accepting his military commission Shawn honored this relationship by legally changing his surname to Campbell. In these ways, he became a son to Don and Mary Campbell, a son to Mark and Lexie Day, Kelli’s parents and former residents of College Station, and a brother to the four Campbell daughters, Emily, Sarah, Hannah and Jamie.

Major Shawn Campbell was a proud Marine who loved to fly, but being a pilot was not his first love. First, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, he loved his wife, and he loved his two sons and his two daughters. Those who knew him best remember him with a child on his shoulders and an arm around Kelli. They remember his patience, his kindness, his quiet wisdom, and they remember the big eyes inherited by each one of his four children.

Semper Fidelis, Major Campbell.