Air Force Reserves Technical Sergeant Anthony Campbell Jr

Air Force Reserve Technical Sergeant Anthony Charles Campbell Jr., 35, of Florence, KY, was an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 932nd Civil Engineer Squadron at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He was killed on December 15, 2009, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated during a cordon-and-search mission. After recognizing the device, he placed himself between it and his team while directing the other members to safety.

At the age of 17, TSgt Campbell entered the Air Force, where he became an EOD technician. After his discharge in 1995, he joined the Air Force Reserves. In his civilian life, he joined the Cincinnati Police Department in 2008. On July 6, 2009, the Air Force Reserves activated him to serve overseas in the War on Terror. During his deployment, TSgt Campbell recovered and destroyed more than 280 pieces of ordnance and over 2,500 pounds of explosives. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Friends and relatives remembered an energetic man who loved life and frequently spoke about how proud he was of his children.

TSgt was survived by his wife and three children.