My Line of Sight

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.

Marie Curie

Until a few years ago I had never heard of Linda Campbell. I would not have recognized her if she was ahead of me at my local Starbuck’s or behind me at the quick check-out line at Safeway. One day a few years ago, I heard Linda speak about her life, and what an extraordinary life it was.

Other than shaking her hand at the conclusion of a speech she made at an event sponsored by SAGE METRO PORTLAND a few years ago, Linda and I were not friends, but I think we could have been, because I think there was a lot to learn about perseverance based on Linda’s experience as a career officer in the U.S. Air Force, working for equality in all phases of life and the day to day struggles of being an ‘Out’ and proud Lesbian.

Linda Campbell spent over twenty years in the United States Air Force, retiring as Lt. Colonel. She was married to Nancy Lynchild with whom she shared a pact that could not be fulfilled until Linda died. In March of 2018 Linda died from cancer and she wanted to do something up to this point had never been done in military history. Nancy died several years ago but they are now buried next to each other, sharing burial space at Willamette National Cemetery, here in Portland. 

Gaining the joint burial space was not an easy task to fulfill; perseverance was needed to weigh through the massive bureaucracies on a local, regional and national level, but perseverance won out. Linda mentioned in her speech, it took many people at the highest levels of government to bring this plan together.

Senator Jeff Merkley said, "Linda wasn't just a courageous veteran who served her country; a trailblazing activist who fought to make the world a little more equitable for everyone; and an inspiration to all Oregonians. She was a friend. Today I mourn with her family and the community that loved her. She left an incredible mark on our world, and she will be dearly missed."

It took perseverance and courage for Linda to stand and fight for rights she believed in; including her military service and life afterward.

To Linda Campbell and all the LGBTQ troops serving around the world, I say, thank-you for your service.