Lt. Col. Michael Campbell retires from Missouri National Guard

Lt. Col. Michael Campbell was presented the Legion of Merit Award
by Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, the adjutant general of the Missouri
National Guard and Senator Carl Vogel. (Photo by Sgt. Katherine Sale)

By Nancy K. Lane
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Lt. Col. Michael Campbell of Eugene, MO was recently honored at his retirement ceremony after serving 26 years in the Missouri National Guard.

After accepting his commission, Campbell served in various positions in the 35th Rear Area Operations Center, Rear Tactical Operations Center, 135th Division Aviation Brigade, 70th Troop Command and Joint Force Headquarters.

At his retirement ceremony, Campbell was presented the Legion of Merit Award by Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, the adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard and Senator Carl Vogel.

A number of other certificates were presented to Campbell. The Certificate of Appreciation sign by the Commander in Chief President Barack Obama was presented by Vogel. Danner presented the Certificate of Service signed by Gen. Craig McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau as well as the State of Missouri Certificate of Appreciation signed by Gov. Jeremiah "Jay" Nixon and Danner.

Vogel presented Campbell with a state flag that had flown over the state capitol in honor of Campbell.

During his career, Campbell has earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, Army Service Ribbon, Reserve Component Overseas Service Ribbon, Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Missouri Commendation Ribbon, Missouri Southwest Asia Service Ribbon, Missouri Expeditionary Ribbon, Missouri State Emergency Duty Ribbon, Missouri Long Service Ribbon and Missouri Basic Training Ribbon.

Danner said, "Once you are in the Guard, you are always in the Guard. You have left a great legacy to follow. Not only do you have one son to follow in your officer footsteps, but you have brought two into the Guard."

Campbell was supported at his retirement by his wife, Carlene Campbell, sons 1st Lt. Daniel Campbell, Pfc. Benjamin Campbell, daughter-in-law Michele (Mrs. Daniel) Campbell, Kaitlyn and Brook, and his brother William Campbell.

"I have done a lot of different things throughout my military career, but the thing that means the most to me is the friends I've made along the way," commented Campbell.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.