USO Saudi Arabia holds 5K to Remember and Honor 1Lt Kyle Campbell

In a world fraught with adversity, there are rare individuals who rise above the challenges, burning brightly to sear a lasting mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to cross their path. Such was the case with 1st Lieutenant Kyle Campbell, a man whose unwavering determination and selflessness made him a true hero. From making plans to battle a raging fire to championing the cause of the less fortunate, Kyle’s life was a symphony of extraordinary accomplishments. Kyle, a young U.S. Air Force officer, brought hope and unity to the USO in Saudi Arabia and left behind a legacy that merits celebrating.

From an early age, Kyle displayed a tenacity and drive that set him apart. As a high school student, he not only excelled academically but also found joy in mentoring troubled youth and helping the less fortunate.

His mother Wendie recalls “outside of his military career, he was chosen as Salutatorian of his high school graduating class. He was a volunteer for our local Salvation Army and his senior class project was collecting goods and making 100 bags filled with snacks, soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, tissues and a ‘free meal guide’ to give out to homeless persons.”

Kyle was also involved in many extra-curricular activities including the basketball team, the swim team, and was track and field district champion in shot put and discus – his efforts helped his track team win the state title his senior year. Failure was not an option for Kyle, who pushed himself tirelessly to achieve excellence in all his endeavors.

“It was both a benefit and a curse all at the same time because he was very hard on himself and would work way too hard,” said Wendie. “During his junior year I actually had to give him a homework curfew, meaning he had to stop doing homework at 10:30 PM; otherwise, I would catch him staying up all night to make sure he got an A.”

As Kyle transitioned into adulthood and embarked on his journey with the U.S. Air Force, his trajectory of success and compassion only soared higher. After graduating from the Air Force Academy, he moved to Nellis Air Force Base and his home unit became the 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron. While at Nellis AFB in his first year as 2Lt, he devised a logistics plan for Operation Bush Fire. Thanks to his planning, service members airlifted 260,000 pounds of fire retardant in just 48 hours, ensuring the prompt control of Australia’s 46-million-acre wildfires.

While deployed to PSAB Saudi Arabia, Kyle oversaw the Installation Deployment Readiness Cell and commanded the movement of 5,375 combat joint forces. He also managed the mission planning of six coalition exercises spanning three countries, directly deterring Iranian aggression on the Arabian Peninsula.

Margie Brooks, who served as Kyle’s Senior Enlisted Leader during his time at PSAB, stated:

Lieutenant Campbell’s work ethic was amazing, nothing short of exceptional. His capabilities surpassed his experience—he understood big picture mission planning as well as the fine balance of the art of execution.

“He took his role as the Installation Deployment Officer (IDO) very seriously, balancing strenuous COVID restrictions, tracking airspace requirements and necessary movements, building relationships in the AOR, CONUS and OCONUS. Making the mission happen, whether it was troop movement, mission support, weapon system sustainment support, emergency leave flights for members needing to return home. Every task that was asked of him, he produced!”

During his time in Saudi Arabia, Kyle played a critical role in getting our USO Center up and running, plus helped take care of our USO staff.

USO Saudi Arabia Center Manager, Anna Gallaher, said “I met Lt Campbell while trying to get into KSA from Kuwait on MilAir. Our point of contact at PSAB was on their way out and was not willing to help us complete the APACS request… Lt Campbell found out, after he had helped our Expeditionary Manager get on ground as well, and personally took on the responsibility to ensure our APACS was approved. Once I was on ground, he met with me to ensure I knew he would continue to be the POC for any other incoming teammates. He went above his job duties and spent many hours to get me on ground, to get the USO stood up.”

Kyle’s dedication to his fellow service members was unwavering. He worked closely with Anna and her team to arrange for amenities in the large holding tent, including coffee bars and snack stations, during service members’ long waits for flights. Kyle also took the initiative to brief the USO staff and organize events for incoming service members, fostering camaraderie and higher morale from the start.

When asked why she started a 5K to honor and remember Kyle, Anna said “Kyle was a friend to so many people here, and his passing was very sudden and hurt so deeply across base. As a veteran, there are losses that will always be felt and the best way to honor those people is to remember them and talk about them. Because I had built a relationship, and appreciated Kyle’s selflessness so much, I felt it was the least we could do.”

On May 29th, participants lined up to run at 6:00 AM for the second annual 1Lt Kyle Campbell Memorial Day 5K. Throughout the run, a spirit of encouragement permeated the air as participants uplifted and cheered for one another. At the finish line, a vibrant display of camaraderie unfolded, with individuals staying to support their fellow runners. After the race, participants collected a shirt with Kyle’s smiling face on the back – watching the sense of unity unfold.

“We had one gentleman come up to collect his shirt at the finish line, who told us he knew Lt Campbell from his home station,” said Anna. “He was unaware Kyle had passed until he got here and saw the t-wall memorial. He was pleased to see that Kyle was being remembered here, even though he was so sad to learn of his passing.”

Base commander, Brig Gen Gandhi, commented that although he didn’t have the fortune to meet Lt Campbell, it was clear the strength of his character was great and that what he accomplished in his short life, few are able to do in long ones. Kyle’s mother Wendie would agree, as she lovingly refers to him as her “Son-shine.”