When Troy Campbell and Travis Ellis first met in 2012, neither could have predicted the movement they were about to launch.
One was a Marine stationed near Atlanta, the other a businessman and community leader. Their paths crossed through the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce’s Honorary Commanders program, which pairs military leaders with local business and political figures to foster understanding of national defense and its impact on the community.
Ellis said the program changed him.
“We can fly people on aircraft, we can get them on Navy ships, but the greatest asset we have is the men and women who wear the uniform. I wanted leaders to see that firsthand.”
The two quickly became friends, bonded by fitness, service, and a shared drive to live with purpose. That friendship soon evolved into a mission.
Through the program, Campbell and Ellis visited the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, home to the SHARE Military Initiative. SHARE provides world-class rehabilitation for service members with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“I was blown away,” Campbell said. “Hearing directly from clients and seeing the impact–it was life-changing.”
For Ellis, it hit even closer to home. A close friend went through SHARE.
“He told me this program saved his life. Without it, he wouldn’t be here. That was all I needed to hear.”
Both men were already active in endurance events and saw an opportunity to combine fitness with advocacy. They launched Shepherd’s Men, a volunteer group committed to raising awareness and funds for SHARE.
Their first challenge: a run from Atlanta to the Marine Corps Memorial in Washington, D.C. Along the way, they stopped at firehouses, VFW halls, and American Legion posts, spreading the word about SHARE and encouraging veterans to seek help.
“Our goal was simple,” Campbell said. “We wanted veterans to know: If you’re struggling, there’s a place in Atlanta saving lives.”
For Ellis, Shepherd’s Men also filled a gap. With a family lineage of military service dating back to the French and Indian War, not serving himself had always weighed on him.
“Meeting Troy was part of a divine plan,” Ellis said. “Shepherd’s Men gave me a way to serve–by building awareness, raising resources, and tearing down the stigma around mental health care.”
Since 2014, Shepherd’s Men has raised more than $12.5 million for SHARE–all through volunteer-led efforts. Just as important, their message has helped break down the barriers that prevent veterans from seeking care.
“For too long, the mantra was put your head down and press on,” Ellis said. “Admitting you needed help was seen as weakness. That mindset has cost too many lives. By raising awareness, we’ve helped men and women reclaim purpose and move forward.”
Campbell says Shepherd’s Men is about more than writing checks. “When veterans join us at events, they find purpose again. And when donors meet the people their support impacts, it becomes real. That’s what keeps us going.”
Now in its second decade, Shepherd’s Men continues to expand its voice. Their mission is focused on TBI–the signature but often overlooked injury of post-9/11 wars. SHARE remains one of the few programs in the country offering comprehensive treatment at no cost to veterans or their families.
“What’s next is figuring out how to reach even more veterans,” Ellis said. “If you’re struggling, please know that you don’t have to fight this alone. There is a place that can help.”
