Remarkable Woman Susan Campbell works to save veteran lives
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Susan Campbell has been a member of Camp V since the organization was founded. Camp V is dedicated to providing support to veterans along with their families in East Texas. The non-profit offers several programs along with a recreation center, women's center and fitness center.
Campbell spoke about the reason she has dedicated the past few years of her life to supporting Camp V.
'I don't come from a military family. I grew up in the Vietnam era and over those years, I lost two friends to suicide,' Campbell said. 'So my heart was just touched by that, and Camp V has just been a way that I can give back and say thank you for what you did for me and for us. So, it's been quite a blessing. It's really changed my life.'
Camp V opened in 2019 in Tyler. The complex sits on 20 acres acting as a one-stop shop for veteran resources.
'It is a remarkable place where there are multiple veterans service providers onsite that help veterans find assistance and guidance services that they need, where they don't have to travel all over to be told not a lot,' Campbell said. 'So, it reduces their stress. It helps, you know, resolve what their questions or issues are.'
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According to the VA, veterans have a suicide rate of 17. 6%, a statistic they hope to lower by helping them connect with each other. Campbell spoke about this troubling statistic and acknowledged how challenging it is for veterans once they return home.
'It is hard, no matter how strong they are, not even how great of a background they've had,' Campbell said. 'It's still hard to go from the service that has given you everything to now you're on your own.'
Campbell reflected on the lives she has already been able to save through her work with Camp V.
'I remember speaking at one point when saying we've saved 42 lives, and I had someone come up to me afterward and said, make that 43,' Campbell said.
Campbell encourages other women and wants them to welcome every opportunity that comes their way.
'I think the important thing for women to know is that I'm not sure we're ever done,' Campbell said. 'I was 72 when I started with Jim on Camp V. I am soon to be 79, and I'm still going strong. You never know what life is going to bring you, so just embrace it.'
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