Joseph Campbell '92 was inducted into the TCU Army ROTC Hall of Honor in April of this year. Campbell retired from the U.S. Army in 2012 after 26 years of service. He continues to serve the community as both the Commander of the American Legion Department of Texas 12th District and the Junior Vice Commander of the Veterans for Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Texas 21st District.

Campbell served three years in the Texas Army National Guard, three years in the Army Reserves and twenty years on active duty. He received his commission as a Distinguished Military Graduate from the ROTC program at TCU. Lieutenant Colonel Campbell has been stationed at several locations overseas, including Germany, Bosnia, Iraq and throughout the U.S. He has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Ranger Tab, the Pathfinder Badge, the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, the Order of Saint George in bronze and silver and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge in Gold five times. Over his career, Campbell has received numerous other commendations, awards and medals. In 2002, he received Texas Wesleyan's Young Alumni Award.

Campbell comes from a long line of service members. His grandfather and grand-uncle served in the Army during World War II. His uncle, Joseph III, served in Vietnam as a Marine and his stepfather served in Vietnam with the Army. He was married to the late Nicole Fischer of Udenhausen, Germany and they have two children. His children continue the family’s legacy in the military, as both Vanessa and Joseph V are graduates of the United States Air Force Academy.

Since retirement, Campbell has been extremely involved in his community. He is a life member of the American Legion where he is very active at the post and the national level. Campbell is also involved with organizations such as the Grapevine VFW, Texas Boys State and the Boy Scouts of America and serves on Texas’ Congressional District’s Service Academy Selection Board.

Texas Wesleyan is honored to share the many accomplishments of alumnus Joseph Campbell. Here is what he had to say about his time at TXWES.

Why did you choose Texas Wesleyan?
Because this university seemed like a natural transition from Tarrant County Junior College and the student/professor ratio appealed to me.

How were you involved as a student here at TXWES?
I was involved in the Army ROTC program, Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, cheerleading and was an international sponsor for three Japanese students. I served as president and ritualist and social chairman for Lambda Chi and was senior class president. 

If you could give advice to a current TXWES student, what would it be?
Whatever you do, don’t wait before you obtain your degree. Visit your advisor and professors regularly if you have trouble. Get involved in other on-campus activities.   

Can you share how your experience at TXWES impacted your future military career?
I learned a lot about being not only a leader, but also being a follower in the Army ROTC program, but my greatest lessons came from being a member of Lambda Chi Alpha at TXWES. It’s easy to lead people when you have the law on your side and it’s easy to follow others when they have the law working for them, but true leadership comes from influencing people who you really have no leverage over.

Any advice you’d like to give students considering the military?
Yes! Get your degree before joining the military. Prepare for life following the military before you even consider exiting the profession. Preparing for life can include going to graduate school or starting a side hustle that may become your second career.