Distinguished Service Award honoring Buddhist Chaplain Brett Campbell
Nalandabodhi Karunika Brett Campbell was honored this year (2026) with the Military Chaplains Association’s Distinguished Service Award for the Air National Guard. The award recognized his outstanding service during the previous year which included a deployment to the Middle East where he led Buddhist services, taught meditation, and cared for Airmen during the uncertainty of the Iran-Israel 12-Day War. We rejoice in Brett’s extraordinary activity for the benefit of beings, and congratulate him on being the first Buddhist chaplain to receive this award from the Military Chaplains Association.
Brett was ordained as a Buddhist chaplain by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche in 2013. He currently serves in the Colorado Air National Guard. Below you can read the statement issued by the Military Chaplains Association.
Chaplain, Major, Brett A. Campbell, Air National Guard
Ch, Maj, Brett A. Campbell currently serves as a Chaplain in the Colorado Air National Guard, Buckley SFB, Colo. In this capacity, he is responsible for providing for the free exercise of religion for Airmen. He also advises commanders, provides spiritual counseling, and conducts unit visitation. In addition, he leads mind training classes and Buddhist meetings.
Chaplain Campbell was ordained as a Buddhist minister in 2013. He entered the Navy Reserve in 2010 as a Chaplain Candidate. He then entered the Air Force Reserve as a Chaplain in 2016 where he served as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee. Chaplain Campbell has spent his entire career in Colorado serving as an IMA Chaplain and an Air National Guard Chaplain. Prior to his current position, Chaplain Campbell served as an IMA Chaplain at the United States Air Force Academy, USAF Academy, Colo.
