Major Russ Campbell is a native of Houston, Texas, and graduated from high school in 1991. Russ attended Texas A&M University where he participated in the Corps of Cadets and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology in 1996.

Russ was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) program in 1996 and reported to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. Upon completion, he reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, to begin primary flight training. In November 1998, Russ reported to Training Squadron 31 (VT-31) at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, to fly the T-44 Pegasus. He received his wings of gold in July 1999.

In August 1999, Russ reported to Marine Aerial Refueling Transport Training Squadron 253 (VMGRT-253) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, to begin training in the KC-130. He then reported to his first fleet squadron Marine Aerial Refueling Transport Squadron (VMGR-352), the "Raiders," at MCAS Miramar, California, in June 2000. While with the "Raiders," Russ served as the ground safety officer and the quality assurance officer in the maintenance department. During this tour, Russ deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom as a flight duty officer.

In August 2003, he reported to the 13th Marine Expedition Unit (MEU) where he served in the Command Element as the KC-130 planner and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon completion of his tour with the 13th MEU, he returned to VMGR-352 as the flight officer and deployed again in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his time in the fleet, Russ has flown over 400 combat hours. He has also flown numerous missions in support of operations in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, Pakistan, Turkey, Bahrain, Portugal, Greece, Iceland, Canada, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Japan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Wake Island.