This prestigious award has been given out annually at the Independence Bowl after the Sports Foundation directors decided to recognize an outstanding American citizen, with the “Spirit of Independence Award.” The first recipient honored in 1977 was General Omar N. Bradley, the only living five-star general in the United States at that time. The following year, and until his death, General Bradley presented the “Spirit of Independence Award” to his fellow recipients. After his death, the General’s name was added to the award.
Gen. Campbell, a Shreveport native, becomes the 35th recipient of the award and joins many distinguished past recipients such as John Wayne (1978), former President Ronald Reagan (1981), the YMCA (1994), and Hal Sutton (2003). St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was last year’s recipient.
“He has been, and still is, intimately involved with the most important aspects of our nation’s security. It is a distinct pleasure to welcome him into the ranks of those outstanding individuals who have been selected to receive the Gen Omar Bradley Spirit of Independence Award,” said Sexton, Jr.He earned his commission through ROTC at LSU. His initial assignment was as an instructor at the Infantry Training Command (Provisional), United States Army Training Center Infantry, Fort Ord, Calif. Following Special Forces training, Campbell went on to teach tactics at Forces Armee’ National Khmere Training Command, Army Advisory Group, Phouc Tuy Training Battalion, United States Army, Vietnam.
Campbell’s military awards and decorations include a Distinguished Medal of Service (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal, Special Forces Tab, and Parachutist Badge (United States).
Ticket Information
New to all ticket buyers in 2011 is the “I-Bowl Loyalty Card.” Fans that renewed tickets or purchased new tickets prior to the July 1st renewal deadline will receive one Loyalty Card for each ticket they purchased. The “I-Bowl Loyalty Card” will save fans money at participating businesses that are “Loyalty Partners” such as Cascio’s Market Bistro, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hilton Shreveport, Johnny’s Catfish and Seafood, The Dough Basket and Creative Cakes and many more. New “Loyalty Partners” will be added throughout the year as well. Fans can go to www.independencebowl.org to see what deals are being offered and which ones change throughout the year. Loyalty cards are valid from Oct. 15th, 2011 to Oct. 15th, 2012, and will be shipped with game tickets.
The “Johnny’s Catfish and Seafood Family Fun Pack” is a ticket package which includes four south end zone tickets, four hot dogs, four soft drinks, and a Blue Lot parking pass all for only $175. The ticket package also includes a “Johnny’s Catfish Family Pack,” a $20 value. This saves fans more than $40 off of the regular price.
The Patriot Pack and the Bowl Backer include 20 seats in the south end zone and sidelines respectively plus shuttle tickets and recognition at the game for your business or large group. Stay tuned for more information on ticket packages throughout the year.
Information on becoming a member of the Independence Bowl Foundation or a corporate sponsor of the bowl is also available at the Bowl Office located on the ground floor of the American Tower in downtown Shreveport at 401 Market Street, Suite 120. Those interested may also contact the Bowl Office at 318.221.0712 or toll free at 888.414.BOWL (2695) or visit the bowl’s official website at www.independencebowl.org.