The Point

Jeff Campbell Recognized as 2017 Laughs for the Troops Humanitarian Award Winner

Thomas Brown, Laughs for the Troops’ founder, said that from the first day he met Jeff Campbell and spent time with him sharing the LFTT mission, Jeff began to give generously of his time and treasure. He became fully dedicated to LFTT.
 
“Jeff and I are alike — neither of us served, but we had a desire to support and give back to those who had,” explained Brown. “He has a strong commitment to our mission, and is 100 percent engaged in what we’re doing every day to make a difference for those who are suffering from invisible wounds. That’s why he is so deserving of the 2017 Humanitarian of the Year Award.”
 
Campbell was introduced to LFTT and its founder, Thomas Brown, in 2015 through a good friend who served in the military and suffered with bouts of PTSD. 
 
“My father was a Marine in World War II, and I’ve always had great admiration for the men and women who risk their lives for the opportunity to make the world a safer place,” Campbell said. “I’ve also appreciated the beauty of laughter as a way to put life’s stresses and woes in perspective. Needless to say, it was a no-brainer to invest my time and resources to a wonderful cause.”
 
Campbell’s first real exposure the benefit of laughter for veterans was during the Funniest Night in America – Los Angeles at the VA center earlier in 2017. 
 
“Before the show started, I had the opportunity to meet and greet many of the veterans attending the show. I heard the stories of how their lives were forever changed — mostly in a negative manner — when they tried to reenter society,” Campbell remembered. 
 
“During the show, I witnessed the joy and laughter these same veterans experienced while enjoying the performances by Thomas and his fellow comedians, Happy Cole, Tommy Drake, and Phil Palisoul, all who personally gave so much to bring the show to reality for our veterans,” he said. “In that moment, these Veterans were able to forget the turmoil they felt, and laugh at the zany scenarios these comedians put forth — laughter putting turmoil in the back seat!” 
 
Although very honored to receive the 2017 Humanitarian Award, Campbell said he mostly felt honored to be able to help such a momentous cause.
 
“My hope is that through the efforts of all involved with LFTT, our message gains momentum,” Campbell said. “Laughter is a tremendous remedy for these veterans, helping them acclimate to society – to a lifestyle they made possible by their selfless service – one that gives us the freedom to enjoy our life.”
 
Brown said Campbell has consistently given his time or money, or whatever is needed to make a difference. “That’s the sign of a good human being — someone willing to get down in there with you, and do whatever it takes for whatever your mission is — and help you see it through.”