When the area’s current and former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard receive support from the Fleet Reserve Association, they’ll be assisted by a congressionally chartered, nonprofit organization that recently elected one of their own as its East Coast regional president.

Carrollton’s James W. Campbell Jr., a member of FRA Branch 40, was elected to the post recently, and will now serve as a member of the association’s National Board of Directors for 2013-2014.

Doing so, the Navy veteran will represent FRA shipmates living in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Delaware, North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia.

“It is an honor and a privilege to continue my service at the regional level as president and to further the cause of our shipmates and fellow sea service members on Capitol Hill,” Campbell stated in a news release, referencing the association’s legislative advocacy on behalf of current and former service members and their families.

Campbell joined the Navy in December 1969, retiring from military service in 1993. He served on several ships and naval stations and is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War.

His decorations include the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Southwest Asia Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

After leaving active duty, he worked as a Navy weapons armorer and range safety officer.

Campbell has held a range of leadership positions since joining the association in 1993 at both the local and regional levels.

Previous posts include vice president, president, a member of Branch 40’s board of directors, and regional vice president (2012-2013).

The Carrollton resident is also a past national chaplain with the association, and served as a member and chair of the Americanism Patriotism Committee.

The association says it has been the collective voice for all sea service personnel since 1924, adding “there is no law protecting military benefits, so the FRA is here to stand guard.”