December 12, 2024 • 14 mins
In this compelling opening episode of "Semper Fi," we witness the life-altering moment when Staff Sergeant Winston Campbell sustains severe injuries from an IED explosion in Afghanistan. Follow the intense emotional journey as Brooke Campbell, his devoted wife, receives the harrowing news back home in Oceanside, California. As Brooke grapples with shock and fear, she swiftly transitions into a pillar of strength, coordinating with military support and rallying family assistance as she prepares to navigate the uncertain road ahead. This episode lays the foundation for a profound exploration of sacrifice, resilience, and the unyielding power of love amidst the trials of recovery and caregiving.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
In the rugged terrains ofAfghanistan.
(00:02):
Under the relentless sun, theresponsibilities of a Marine are
full of constant vigilance anddanger.
Staff Sergeant Winston Campbell.
A seasoned Marine known amonghis peers.
For his unwavering courage andtactical acumen.
Was leading a routine patrolthrough a known hotbed of
(00:23):
insurgent activity.
The day was like any other inthe field.
Hot.
Dusty and dense.
Winston always aware of thegravity of his role, navigated
his team through narrow streetsand alleys.
His eyes scanning for any signof danger.
The atmosphere was thick.
With the unnerving.
(00:45):
quiet that every soldier learnsto dread.
The calm before the storm.
Then in a fleeting moment thatwould forever alter the course
of his life.
The ground beneath him erupted.
And improvised, explosive.
Device hidden beneath the dirtroad, detonated with a deafening
roar.
The blast sent shockwavesthrough the patrol hurling
(01:07):
Winston into the air and backdown with violent force.
As the dust settled.
And screams pierced the airWinston lay on the ground.
Disoriented.
And in excruciating pain.
His right leg was severelyinjured.
And shapnel had embedded itselfin various parts of his body.
(01:28):
Despite the pain Winston's firstthoughts were of his men.
His brothers in arms.
As he tried to assess thesituation and call out for help.
Report.
Sound off.
His voice was weak strained bypain and shock.
But the training and the instantinstinct to protect his team.
(01:51):
Never wavered.
As his vision blurred.
And the sounds around him beganto fade into the background, the
figures of his fellow Marines,rushing to his aid.
Or the last images he sawbefore.
So it's coming to darkness.
And the harrowing hours thatfollowed Winston was evacuated
to a military hospital.
(02:12):
The battle to save his life andlimb was immediate and intense
surgeons worked tirelessly.
Fighting against time and damagewhile Winston unconscious and on
the brink fought for his ownbattle in the debts of his mind.
Back home at Oceanside.
As the ocean waves crash,unknowingly against the shore.
(02:35):
Brooke's world was about toreceive the shockwave.
Sent from across the world, thephone calls she'd always dreaded
was imminent.
And with it, the beginning of anew battle for Winston's family.
A battle, not just for recovery,but for rediscovery.
And resilience in the face oflife's most unexpected
challenges.
(02:57):
Um, uh, Um, uh, Um, Welcome totake care of time, the tales and
(03:28):
exhales of caregiving.
I'm your host, Beverly Nance.
And today we embark on aprofound journey.
With Semper Fi a series thatgoes deep into the life of a
family reshaped by the trials ofwar.
And caregiving.
In our first episode.
A new battle begins.
we meet Brooke and WinstonCampbell.
(03:49):
A young couple in Oceanside,California, whose lives are
about to change in ways theynever anticipated.
Semper Fi is short for SemperFidelis.
Which is Latin for alwaysfaithful or always loyal.
It is the motto of the UnitedStates Marine corps and
encapsulates the enduringloyalty and steadfast faith.
(04:10):
That Marines are expected tohave for the Corps and for each
other.
It embodies a promise of mutualrespect, commitment and
reliability among Marines.
Oceanside California, a citywhere the Pacific brushes
against Sandy shores and whereMarines from nearby camp
Pendleton prepared to servetheir country.
(04:33):
Among them is staff Sergeant.
Winston Campbell.
a dedicated Marine husband andfather of twin boys manual and
Samuel.
Brooke and Winston Campbell'shome is filled with light
laughter of their six year oldtwins and the quiet home of
everyday life.
Brooke, a former high schoolteacher now dedicates her days
(04:54):
to her sons and the home theylive in.
built But the threads of thisserene tapestry are about to be
pulled taught by unforeseenforces.
It was a crisp morning in earlyspring when Brooke received the
call that would pivot theirworld on its access.
Winston while on patrol in avolatile region overseas was
(05:17):
severely injured.
In an IED explosion.
Hello.
Mrs.
Campbell.
This is captain Jones from campPendleton.
I'm calling about your husband,staff, Sergeant campbell.
The news delivered with a calmprofessionalism.
That belied is devastatingcontent struck Brooke.
(05:38):
Like a physical blow.
Winston was alive, but badlyhurt facing a long road of
recovery and rehabilitation.
As the gravity of the situationsinks in.
Brooke Springs into action.
Her initial shock giving way tothe methodical precision needed
to navigate the crisis.
Unfolding thousands of milesaway.
(06:01):
Mom.
It's Brooke.
I need to ask you and daddy ahuge favor.
It's Winston he's been hurt.
He's alive but badly injured.
I need someone to help withManny and Sammy.
Can you guys come over?
Fortunately for Brooke.
Her parents were lifetimeresidents of San Diego,
California.
So.
They were only 45 minutes away.
(06:23):
Thank you, mom.
Yes, please come.
As soon as you can.
I'll explain everything when youget here.
Brooke immediately called herfamily support officer.
Hi, this is Brooke Campbellwinston's wife I just received a
call about his injuries.
Can you tell me where he isright now?
And how severe are his injuries?
(06:44):
I need.
All the details you can provide.
Book was busy jotting down notesand fighting back tears.
Her face is a mask of concerned.
Thank you.
Please keep me updated with anychanges immediately.
As Brooke hangs up, she decidesto call her sister.
Hey, Beth, it's me.
(07:05):
Winston has been injured.
Mom and dad are coming up tohelp, but I might need you to
take the boys for a few days.
Can I count on you?
Sure of course Um, I'm comingover to.
Thanks.
I knew I could count on you.
I'll keep you posted oneverything.
Brooke takes a deep breath.
Now she needs to call winston'sparents.
(07:27):
Hi, John is Brooke.
There's been an accident.
Winston was injured during hispatrol.
He's stable now, but it'sserious.
I thought you want to know rightaway, we're still getting
details and I'll let you know,as soon as I can, as soon as I
learn more.
After Brooke also talks toWinston's mom mom, she hangs up
(07:50):
the phone.
And she looks over at theirfamily photo.
Her resolve heartening.
She's talking to herself.
Winston you hang in there.
You're not going to go throughthis alone.
I'll be with you every step ofthe way.
Brooke goes to her closet andpulls out her suitcase and
(08:12):
starts packing.
She's not exactly sure whereshe'll be traveling too, but she
knows she needs to get toWinston's side as soon as
possible.
Even in the throws ofuncertainty, Brooks actions are
a Testament to her strength andthe profound love that defines
her marriage.
As she prepares to face the longroad ahead, her commitment
reminds us.
(08:32):
There was a silent battles,fought every day for those who
stand strong beside our service,men and women.
Days later, Brooke stood in thesterile buzzing environment of
the military hospital whereWinston had been airlifted.
Brooke never saw herself flyingto Germany but she really wanted
to be.
By Winston side, as soon aspossible.
(08:55):
London stall regional medicalcenter in Germany serves as the
largest American hospitaloutside of the United States.
And is it critical transitpoint.
For injured personnel meetingstabilization and advanced
treatments.
Before they can safely betransported back to the United
States.
Once Winston is stable enoughfor further travel, he will be
(09:16):
transported to a medicalfacility in the United States as
specializes in trauma andlongterm rehabilitation.
Walter Reed will likely be oneof the major military medical
centers.
When Brooke finally lays eyes onWinston, the man who lay before
her swapped in bandages withmonitors beeping.
The relentless rhythm seemed ashadow of the robust Marine.
(09:38):
She had kissed goodbye.
As Winston's eyes flickered openclouded with pain, but a light
with a relief of seeing hiswife, Brooke.
Brooke grasped his hand herpresence a silent vowel of
steadfastness.
As Winston's eyes clicker, open.
Clouded with pain, but a lightwith a relief of seeing his
wife, Brooke.
(09:58):
Grabs his hand.
I'm here when you're not alone,we're going to get through this
together.
The initial weeks were a blur ofdoctors.
Surgeries and medical jargonthat Brooke struggled to
comprehend Winston's injurieswere severe.
A leg loss, a long scar mappinghas torso.
And the lurking specter.
(10:19):
Of PTSD shadowing his quietermoments.
amiss Chaos Brooks new role wasclear.
She was no longer just a wifeand a mother.
She was a caregiver.
Advocate and a rock.
On which Winston's new realitywould be anchored.
As wisdom battled through thepain.
And despair.
After returning home.
(10:41):
Brooke fought her own battleswith insurance.
Medical appointments and thedaily logistics of adapting
their home and lives toWinston's needs.
They're home.
Once feel with an easy chaos, afamily life now adapt it to his
new normal ramps, replaced stepshalls widened for wheelchair
(11:01):
access.
The twins sensing the changeadapted with resillienceof
youth.
Their games now often paused toinclude daddy in his new
wheelchair.
Do it all Brooke's love anddedication wolves, a stronger
fabric for the Campbell family.
mending themn with threads ofcourage, laughter and unyielding
(11:24):
spirit of Semper Fi alwaysfaithful.
Join us next time on Semper Fi.
As we continue to explore theCampbell's journey through
recovery, resilience andrediscovery.
I'm Beverly Nance reminding youthat behind every service member
sacrifice, there is a family'scourage standing strong
(11:44):
together.
Until next time.
Take care.
In the midst of life's toughestbattles.
Finding moments of peace canseem almost impossible.
That's why at Take Care Timewe've carefully curated our
respite box designedspecifically for caregivers like
Brooke.
Who tirelessly support theirloved ones through thick and
(12:07):
thin.
Each item in our respite boxes,handpicked.
To encourage relaxation andrejuvenation, whether you're
facing the stress of medicalemergencies or the daily demands
of caregiving.
This box is your personal pausebutton.
Wrap yourself in the warmth of aplush blanket on a chilly
evening and enjoy a mystery reador take some time to journal or
(12:28):
let the gentle scent of ouraroma therapy candle, transport
you to a tranquil space.
Because we know that caregiving.
It's a 24 hour commitment aretake care of time.
Respite bots.
Also, it comes with a Facebookcommunity called caregiving
life, which you are welcome tojoin.
There you can share, learn andgrow with others who truly
(12:50):
understand the journey you'reon.
This holiday season, giveyourself or a caregiver, you
know, the gift of awell-deserved rest and recovery.
Order your Take Care TimeRespite box today and start your
journey towards rejuvenation andself care.
Because taking care of yourself,it's not just a luxury.
(13:11):
It's a necessity.
Take Care Time because everycaregiver deserves a moment to
themselves.
Do you have an interestingcaregiver story that you would
like to have told, please emailus at podcast@takecaretime.com.
We would love to hear from you.
Please note that this episode.
(13:32):
Features reenactments anddramatize details.
While in most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
All dramatizations are groundedin research.
To respect the privacy andconfidentiality of individuals
involved names and someidentifying details have been
changed.
Till next week.
Take care.
(13:56):
Um, uh, Um, uh, Um,
In the rugged terrains ofAfghanistan.
(00:02):
Under the relentless sun, theresponsibilities of a Marine are
full of constant vigilance anddanger.
Staff Sergeant Winston Campbell.
A seasoned Marine known amonghis peers.
For his unwavering courage andtactical acumen.
Was leading a routine patrolthrough a known hotbed of
(00:23):
insurgent activity.
The day was like any other inthe field.
Hot.
Dusty and dense.
Winston always aware of thegravity of his role, navigated
his team through narrow streetsand alleys.
His eyes scanning for any signof danger.
The atmosphere was thick.
With the unnerving.
(00:45):
quiet that every soldier learnsto dread.
The calm before the storm.
Then in a fleeting moment thatwould forever alter the course
of his life.
The ground beneath him erupted.
And improvised, explosive.
Device hidden beneath the dirtroad, detonated with a deafening
roar.
The blast sent shockwavesthrough the patrol hurling
(01:07):
Winston into the air and backdown with violent force.
As the dust settled.
And screams pierced the airWinston lay on the ground.
Disoriented.
And in excruciating pain.
His right leg was severelyinjured.
And shapnel had embedded itselfin various parts of his body.
(01:28):
Despite the pain Winston's firstthoughts were of his men.
His brothers in arms.
As he tried to assess thesituation and call out for help.
Report.
Sound off.
His voice was weak strained bypain and shock.
But the training and the instantinstinct to protect his team.
(01:51):
Never wavered.
As his vision blurred.
And the sounds around him beganto fade into the background, the
figures of his fellow Marines,rushing to his aid.
Or the last images he sawbefore.
So it's coming to darkness.
And the harrowing hours thatfollowed Winston was evacuated
to a military hospital.
(02:12):
The battle to save his life andlimb was immediate and intense
surgeons worked tirelessly.
Fighting against time and damagewhile Winston unconscious and on
the brink fought for his ownbattle in the debts of his mind.
Back home at Oceanside.
As the ocean waves crash,unknowingly against the shore.
(02:35):
Brooke's world was about toreceive the shockwave.
Sent from across the world, thephone calls she'd always dreaded
was imminent.
And with it, the beginning of anew battle for Winston's family.
A battle, not just for recovery,but for rediscovery.
And resilience in the face oflife's most unexpected
challenges.
(02:57):
Um, uh, Um, uh, Um, Welcome totake care of time, the tales and
(03:28):
exhales of caregiving.
I'm your host, Beverly Nance.
And today we embark on aprofound journey.
With Semper Fi a series thatgoes deep into the life of a
family reshaped by the trials ofwar.
And caregiving.
In our first episode.
A new battle begins.
we meet Brooke and WinstonCampbell.
(03:49):
A young couple in Oceanside,California, whose lives are
about to change in ways theynever anticipated.
Semper Fi is short for SemperFidelis.
Which is Latin for alwaysfaithful or always loyal.
It is the motto of the UnitedStates Marine corps and
encapsulates the enduringloyalty and steadfast faith.
(04:10):
That Marines are expected tohave for the Corps and for each
other.
It embodies a promise of mutualrespect, commitment and
reliability among Marines.
Oceanside California, a citywhere the Pacific brushes
against Sandy shores and whereMarines from nearby camp
Pendleton prepared to servetheir country.
(04:33):
Among them is staff Sergeant.
Winston Campbell.
a dedicated Marine husband andfather of twin boys manual and
Samuel.
Brooke and Winston Campbell'shome is filled with light
laughter of their six year oldtwins and the quiet home of
everyday life.
Brooke, a former high schoolteacher now dedicates her days
(04:54):
to her sons and the home theylive in.
built But the threads of thisserene tapestry are about to be
pulled taught by unforeseenforces.
It was a crisp morning in earlyspring when Brooke received the
call that would pivot theirworld on its access.
Winston while on patrol in avolatile region overseas was
(05:17):
severely injured.
In an IED explosion.
Hello.
Mrs.
Campbell.
This is captain Jones from campPendleton.
I'm calling about your husband,staff, Sergeant campbell.
The news delivered with a calmprofessionalism.
That belied is devastatingcontent struck Brooke.
(05:38):
Like a physical blow.
Winston was alive, but badlyhurt facing a long road of
recovery and rehabilitation.
As the gravity of the situationsinks in.
Brooke Springs into action.
Her initial shock giving way tothe methodical precision needed
to navigate the crisis.
Unfolding thousands of milesaway.
(06:01):
Mom.
It's Brooke.
I need to ask you and daddy ahuge favor.
It's Winston he's been hurt.
He's alive but badly injured.
I need someone to help withManny and Sammy.
Can you guys come over?
Fortunately for Brooke.
Her parents were lifetimeresidents of San Diego,
California.
So.
They were only 45 minutes away.
(06:23):
Thank you, mom.
Yes, please come.
As soon as you can.
I'll explain everything when youget here.
Brooke immediately called herfamily support officer.
Hi, this is Brooke Campbellwinston's wife I just received a
call about his injuries.
Can you tell me where he isright now?
And how severe are his injuries?
(06:44):
I need.
All the details you can provide.
Book was busy jotting down notesand fighting back tears.
Her face is a mask of concerned.
Thank you.
Please keep me updated with anychanges immediately.
As Brooke hangs up, she decidesto call her sister.
Hey, Beth, it's me.
(07:05):
Winston has been injured.
Mom and dad are coming up tohelp, but I might need you to
take the boys for a few days.
Can I count on you?
Sure of course Um, I'm comingover to.
Thanks.
I knew I could count on you.
I'll keep you posted oneverything.
Brooke takes a deep breath.
Now she needs to call winston'sparents.
(07:27):
Hi, John is Brooke.
There's been an accident.
Winston was injured during hispatrol.
He's stable now, but it'sserious.
I thought you want to know rightaway, we're still getting
details and I'll let you know,as soon as I can, as soon as I
learn more.
After Brooke also talks toWinston's mom mom, she hangs up
(07:50):
the phone.
And she looks over at theirfamily photo.
Her resolve heartening.
She's talking to herself.
Winston you hang in there.
You're not going to go throughthis alone.
I'll be with you every step ofthe way.
Brooke goes to her closet andpulls out her suitcase and
(08:12):
starts packing.
She's not exactly sure whereshe'll be traveling too, but she
knows she needs to get toWinston's side as soon as
possible.
Even in the throws ofuncertainty, Brooks actions are
a Testament to her strength andthe profound love that defines
her marriage.
As she prepares to face the longroad ahead, her commitment
reminds us.
(08:32):
There was a silent battles,fought every day for those who
stand strong beside our service,men and women.
Days later, Brooke stood in thesterile buzzing environment of
the military hospital whereWinston had been airlifted.
Brooke never saw herself flyingto Germany but she really wanted
to be.
By Winston side, as soon aspossible.
(08:55):
London stall regional medicalcenter in Germany serves as the
largest American hospitaloutside of the United States.
And is it critical transitpoint.
For injured personnel meetingstabilization and advanced
treatments.
Before they can safely betransported back to the United
States.
Once Winston is stable enoughfor further travel, he will be
(09:16):
transported to a medicalfacility in the United States as
specializes in trauma andlongterm rehabilitation.
Walter Reed will likely be oneof the major military medical
centers.
When Brooke finally lays eyes onWinston, the man who lay before
her swapped in bandages withmonitors beeping.
The relentless rhythm seemed ashadow of the robust Marine.
(09:38):
She had kissed goodbye.
As Winston's eyes flickered openclouded with pain, but a light
with a relief of seeing hiswife, Brooke.
Brooke grasped his hand herpresence a silent vowel of
steadfastness.
As Winston's eyes clicker, open.
Clouded with pain, but a lightwith a relief of seeing his
wife, Brooke.
(09:58):
Grabs his hand.
I'm here when you're not alone,we're going to get through this
together.
The initial weeks were a blur ofdoctors.
Surgeries and medical jargonthat Brooke struggled to
comprehend Winston's injurieswere severe.
A leg loss, a long scar mappinghas torso.
And the lurking specter.
(10:19):
Of PTSD shadowing his quietermoments.
amiss Chaos Brooks new role wasclear.
She was no longer just a wifeand a mother.
She was a caregiver.
Advocate and a rock.
On which Winston's new realitywould be anchored.
As wisdom battled through thepain.
And despair.
After returning home.
(10:41):
Brooke fought her own battleswith insurance.
Medical appointments and thedaily logistics of adapting
their home and lives toWinston's needs.
They're home.
Once feel with an easy chaos, afamily life now adapt it to his
new normal ramps, replaced stepshalls widened for wheelchair
(11:01):
access.
The twins sensing the changeadapted with resillienceof
youth.
Their games now often paused toinclude daddy in his new
wheelchair.
Do it all Brooke's love anddedication wolves, a stronger
fabric for the Campbell family.
mending themn with threads ofcourage, laughter and unyielding
(11:24):
spirit of Semper Fi alwaysfaithful.
Join us next time on Semper Fi.
As we continue to explore theCampbell's journey through
recovery, resilience andrediscovery.
I'm Beverly Nance reminding youthat behind every service member
sacrifice, there is a family'scourage standing strong
(11:44):
together.
Until next time.
Take care.
In the midst of life's toughestbattles.
Finding moments of peace canseem almost impossible.
That's why at Take Care Timewe've carefully curated our
respite box designedspecifically for caregivers like
Brooke.
Who tirelessly support theirloved ones through thick and
(12:07):
thin.
Each item in our respite boxes,handpicked.
To encourage relaxation andrejuvenation, whether you're
facing the stress of medicalemergencies or the daily demands
of caregiving.
This box is your personal pausebutton.
Wrap yourself in the warmth of aplush blanket on a chilly
evening and enjoy a mystery reador take some time to journal or
(12:28):
let the gentle scent of ouraroma therapy candle, transport
you to a tranquil space.
Because we know that caregiving.
It's a 24 hour commitment aretake care of time.
Respite bots.
Also, it comes with a Facebookcommunity called caregiving
life, which you are welcome tojoin.
There you can share, learn andgrow with others who truly
(12:50):
understand the journey you'reon.
This holiday season, giveyourself or a caregiver, you
know, the gift of awell-deserved rest and recovery.
Order your Take Care TimeRespite box today and start your
journey towards rejuvenation andself care.
Because taking care of yourself,it's not just a luxury.
(13:11):
It's a necessity.
Take Care Time because everycaregiver deserves a moment to
themselves.
Do you have an interestingcaregiver story that you would
like to have told, please emailus at podcast@takecaretime.com.
We would love to hear from you.
Please note that this episode.
(13:32):
Features reenactments anddramatize details.
While in most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
All dramatizations are groundedin research.
To respect the privacy andconfidentiality of individuals
involved names and someidentifying details have been
changed.
Till next week.
Take care.
(13:56):
Um, uh, Um, uh, Um,
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