Stephen Paul Campos surmised it would be better to volunteer and choose his military specialty rather than be drafted during the Vietnam War. The recruiter asked what he wanted to do and Campos replied “I don’t know what I WANT to do but I know I DON’T want to be infantry.” Based upon his intake evaluations the recruiter told him he could be sent to Germany or Hawaii. Immediately upon graduation he was assigned to the infantry and soon after sent to Vietnam.
Campos shares that the environment was just as much a threat as the enemy. As if the torrential rains weren’t bad enough, there were things slithering in the water that could kill you. Campos survived more than a couple friendly fire incidents and malaria almost killed him. As a radio operator he had the unique experience of relaying his Lieutenant’s refusal to obey orders. That Lt. was replaced the next day and “it was a good thing because that guy was going to get us killed.”
Campos recalled being met by war protestors upon his return stateside and many lifelong friends didn’t want to talk about the war. Campos fell into a lifestyle of drugs and alcohol. Upon hitting rock bottom, he had a spiritual awakening that he says literally transformed his life. He now owns and operates “Senor Campos Salsa”, a successful online food service business.
Campos never wanted to talk about his experiences in Vietnam until he was interviewed by a reporter during a visit to the Vietnam War Memorial. His wife suggested he begin writing about his experiences. He has now published several books including “Charlie Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”.
TAKEAWAY: The whole time Campos was in combat he prayed for God to keep him safe. He also prayed that he would not have to kill anyone.
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