Q&A: Bill Campbell, Volunteer & Veteran Support Team Member
In November 2021, we announced the establishment of the Rebuild Upstate Volunteer Veteran Support Team. You can read about it here.
A Q&A with Bill Campbell, Volunteer Veteran Support Team Member
Q: Tell us more about your time in service.
I served in the USAF for 22 years, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. I began my career in 1978 and retired in 2000. I was stationed in England, Hawaii (x2), Texas (x2), Mississippi, DC, and Maryland.
Q: Tell us more about your non-military work experience and volunteer roles.
I was a senior program manager for Harris Corporation, and Program Director at The Analysis Group before starting a consulting business that provided federal contractors with new business capture and proposal services. I am in the process of shutting down my business after 11 years.
After moving to Anderson, SC in 2007, I began volunteering with local veteran organizations including Military Transition Services and Purple Heart Homes Golden Corner Chapter (VP 2019, President 2020). I currently serve on the Upstate Warrior Solutions Anderson Community Action Board that addresses veteran issues in Anderson County.
Q: There are a lot of ways to serve veterans and their families. How did you come to choose home repair?
I love doing home improvement projects. After sitting behind a desk my entire career, I enjoy the physical labor and serving veterans in need. What better way to do both?
Q: Why are you passionate about providing veterans and their families with safer homes?
Our veterans that served honorably regardless of military branch, active duty or reserves, places and years served, combat or noncombat are all part of the total force that has ensured the freedom of the US for generations. These contributions deserve our respect and gratitude. The least we can do for them is ensure they have a safe and secure place to live.
Q: What do you want community members to know about the Volunteer Veteran Support Team? What’s it like volunteering with Rebuild Upstate?
Rebuild Upstate has been helping low income families, including veterans, in the Upstate with home repairs since 2006. Despite serving 100+ veterans to date, there is tremendous need in the Upstate, and the need continues to grow. There are currently almost 200 veterans waiting for help. The Volunteer Veteran Support Team will provide a cost effective approach focused on home repairs that address safety and accessibility of veterans and the widows/widowers of veterans.
Rebuild Upstate has an excellent volunteer program. Volunteers are what we call in the military, a “Force Multiplier” that provides Rebuild Upstate with no cost labor to stretch limited financial resources to serve more clients. Rebuild Upstate has a successful track record in attracting quality volunteers, managing project execution to optimize volunteer involvement and ensuring safe working environments.
Q: Why do you think Rebuild Upstate’s home repair program is worth investing in?
In most cases, home repair (as opposed to other options such as rehousing) is the most cost effective way to provide safe and secure housing for people in need.
Q: What are you most looking forward to as we build momentum to repair homes for veterans?
I’m most looking forward to seeing a reduction in the backlog of veterans and widows/widowers of veterans whose homes need repairs.
Thank you for your volunteerism, Bill. We can’t wait to see what the Volunteer Veteran Support Team accomplishes next.