MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Lieutenant Col. Patrick J. Campbell, staff judge advocate for the Depot, was presented with a certificate and an engraved, glass trophy for the Civitas Military Officer Leadership award by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce April 20.
Civitas, which is the Latin word for "city-state," is a program designed by the chamber of commerce to commend leaders in both the civilian and military communities, said Campbell.
Recipients may be awarded in one of 10 categories, including Military Enlisted Leadership and Military Officer Leadership.
Tara McGrath, a former Marine captain who used to work for Campbell, nominated Campbell because of his dedication to his Marines.
"When I saw the [call for] nominations and was thinking about a good candidate, he immediately sprung to mind," said McGrath, who now works in the Beaufort office of the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League. "When I worked for him [in Okinawa, Japan], he was a good boss and a great Marine. He's the kind of boss who looks out for his Marines."
Another thing that makes Campbell stand out among his peers is his involvement in the community, said McGrath.
"He's unique in his balance between dedication to the Marine Corps and contribution to the community he lives in," said McGrath. "He not only invests in his life as a Marine, [but also] takes advantage of what the community has to offer and gives back [to the community as well]. I think that's a difficult balance to strike."
While Civitas awards extraordinary leaders, Campbell agrees that what it really comes down to is helping out the local community. Campbell has volunteered for years at schools and churches around his duty stations and channels much of his time and energy into sports, specifically soccer.
"My first love is soccer," said Campbell, who founded a youth's soccer club while in Japan. "Sports are important to develop young [people]. Sports help with learning the ups and downs of life and how to deal with disappointment and [triumph]."
Campbell also said that sports don't just build character, they keep kids out of trouble and allow them to have a good time too.
"[Kids] are going to put their energy somewhere," said Campbell. "It might as well be positive."
Campbell said he cannot take all the credit for making his volunteering efforts happen; much of his appreciation goes to his command as well.
Campbell said that just as much credit goes back to the community.
"This is not a Marine award," said Campbell. "The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce really appreciates the military. They make this community fun for [military personnel]. Beaufort County is a place that recognizes how great it is to be in the [armed services]. I think [the award] says as much about the chamber of commerce as it does about the military."
Even after 21 years of service to the Corps, Campbell said this is by no means the end of his work with youth and sports. He plans to coach high school soccer and teach history and geography in Virginia after he retires next year.