ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- The U.S. Army Sustainment Command hosted a retirement ceremony in honor of Chief Warrant Officer 5 Russell Campbell, food program manager, ASC, in Heritage Hall, here, April 7.
Campbell joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1987. He transitioned to active-duty where he was stationed while in Fulda, Germany, with the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in 1990. After 30 years of service and reaching the highest warrant officer rank, he will work for Robert Irvine Foods as vice president of food services operations.
Campbell said that the Army is not a job, it's a lifestyle.
"This job has been so much more than what was in the brochure," Campbell said during the ceremony. "[It's] been the most satisfying and most rewarding job, being able to touch and impact the Army in its food program."
Campbell credited his mentors and family for supporting and installing pride and patriotism in him. He praised his wife, Diana, for standing by him for more than 30 years.
"Diana has been there by my side even before my Army career," Campbell said. "If there is a family program or any support needed ... you will always see Diana there.
"You always give more than anyone expects," Campbell said to his wife. "Your leadership in every community we have lived in has a lasting impact and legacy."
More than 150 people attended the ceremony, including his immediate family, father, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and mentors.
Retired Maj. Gen. Kevin O'Connell, former commanding general of ASC, presided over the ceremony. He thanked Campbell for his dedication to the nation and his leadership.
"He has trained thousands of Soldiers. He has fed millions of Soldiers," O'Connell said. "Russ has been a huge member of a team of teams that make up a platoon, company, battalion, brigade, the Army, and the Department of Defense."
O'Connell presented a retirement certificate and the Legion of Merit to Campbell for his service. The Legion of Merit is awarded for meritorious service and achievement. It is the sixth highest award a Soldier can receive.
In addition, O'Connell stressed the importance of chief warrant officer five rank. He said that there are only 596 chief warrant officer fives on active duty, and Campbell is one of a highly selective group.
Chiefs warrant officer five are technical and tactical experts and leaders who primarily provide direction, guidance and resources.
Campbell started working at a country club at 14, washing dishes and making salads. Campbell held almost every position in Army dining facilities -- cook, shift leader, ration administration, manager -- before becoming a technical food service warrant officer. As a young Soldier, he worked long hours, and on weekends and holidays.
"I learned to live it, and it became my passion to feed Soldiers. Serving food can change the way that Soldier feels for the rest of the day," Campbell said. "You may be the only bright spot of their day whether you are serving one meal or three meals a day."
Campbell added: "Food service is often underestimated and underappreciated but highly desired. Many people think food is easy but it's often taken for granted. However, food is what brings us together. Brings us together in our homes with our families. Together in the dining facilities with our comrades. Brings us together in the battlefield."
Campbell said that one of his fondest memories that he will never forget occurred during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003:
"Just a few days into the war, I left Kuwait with a convoy of food to set up a ration breakpoint where units can come get food. [Soldiers] have been fighting for three or four days now. We had some Marine element that came by asking for MREs, Meals, Ready to Eat … Me and my Soldier put a bunch of fruit in the Humvee and started driving around where these guys are setting up their positions and we started putting fresh fruit out for them. You can just see the smile on some of those Marines' face when [they] grabbed an orange, something fresh instead of water and an MRE."
With Robert Irvine Foods, Campbell will be able to reshape food options for service members, as the company has broad partnerships with the U.S. military.
"I get to stay connected with my brothers and sisters," Campbell said. "That's important especially after wearing the uniform for so long."
Campbell's other assignments include, 5th Battalion of 101st U.S. Recruiting Command; Division Artillery; 43rd Area Support Group; 3rd Brigade of 1st Infantry Division; and Joint Culinary Center of Excellence. In addition, he was deployed during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Provide Comfort.
"I feel like Peyton Manning," Campbell said, "He sells pizza; I love pizza. He did advertising for Buick; I drive a Buick. He won the Super Bowl and then retired; I have the greatest job ever and I'm going out on top."
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