[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 148 (Thursday, September 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING BETTY CAMPBELL
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HON. GREG GIANFORTE
of montana
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Betty Campbell of
Hays who, at 83 years old, paid tribute to her late husband by walking
in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March in the high-desert terrain of
New Mexico.
Michael ``Bud'' Campbell became a prisoner of war during World War
II and survived the brutal Bataan Death March.
Bud was among thousands of Philippine and American soldiers forced
to march nearly 70 miles with little food or water, enduring torture
along the route and at POW camps where he was held for over three
years.
After the war, he and Betty raised seven children, and owned a ranch
in north-central Montana. Betty served her community as an educator for
over 30 years, teaching in area schools and serving as a principal. For
20 years, Betty has served as a board member of the Big Flat Electric
Cooperative.
In March 2018, Betty and her granddaughter Vernelle paid tribute to
Bud by walking approximately seven miles at the 29th Bataan Memorial
Death March, crossing the finish line together. The Bataan Memorial
Death March is an annual tribute to honor the service members who
defended the Philippine Islands and were taken as prisoners of war.
Betty said her emotions ran high as she thought about what her late
husband and other prisoners endured. She reflected on the shoes she
wore and the water she had available at nearly every mile, saying, ``It
wasn't the same. It didn't seem fair.''
Mr. Speaker, for her courage, sacrifice, and dedication in honoring
her late husband, a World War II POW, at the Bataan Memorial Death
March at age 83, I recognize Betty Campbell for her spirit of Montana.
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