Faye Campbell Thompson

Fay Campbell Thompson’s induction into the Crossmen Hall of Fame recognizes her lifelong dedication to the corps as a charter member, performer, alumni leader, database administrator, volunteer, fundraiser, supporter, and tireless ambassador for the Crossmen family.

Fay became involved in the drum corps activity at a very young age. She marched with the Bracken Cavaliers in 1974 and also performed in indoor guard during the 1970s with the First Staters and Sahler Sedan Cadets. In the fall of 1974, Fay took a leap of faith and joined the newly merged corps known as the Crossmen, becoming a charter member of the organization.

Fay marched in the Crossmen color guard from 1975 through 1977, and then again from 1979 through her age-out season in 1982. Across seven seasons, she helped establish the pride, work ethic, traditions, and family spirit of the early Crossmen. As a marching member, Fay was known for welcoming new members into the corps and sharing her knowledge about everything from tour survival to bus etiquette. She helped younger and newer members understand not only how to get through a season, but how to become part of the Crossmen family.

Years later, Fay’s generous Crossmen spirit shone brightly again when the Crossmen Alumni Association needed volunteers to fill important administrative roles. Fay did not hesitate to raise her hand. In the early 2000s, she took on two critical responsibilities that would have a lasting impact on the alumni organization.

The first was the job many alumni came to know well: taking and fulfilling Crossmen Alumni jacket orders. It was detailed, time-consuming work, but Fay handled it with care and dedication because she understood what those jackets meant to alumni — pride, identity, belonging, and connection.

Her second role was even more essential: updating and maintaining the Crossmen Alumni Association database. Fay approached that responsibility with persistence and determination. In her search for alumni, she used every method available — the U.S. Postal Service, telephone calls, personal contacts at drum corps, indoor guard, and marching band events, and eventually the internet. Through her efforts, the alumni database grew from approximately 800 contacts to more than 4,000.

That work transformed the Alumni Association’s ability to communicate, organize, fundraise, reconnect members, and support the corps. Fay’s behind-the-scenes commitment helped rebuild and strengthen the alumni network, giving generations of Crossmen a way to find their way back home.

In addition to her official roles with the Alumni Association, Fay has continued to support the corps and alumni efforts in countless ways. She has helped raise funds, feed members, support scholarships, and encourage alumni participation throughout the year. Whether in person or on Facebook, Fay has remained a consistent and enthusiastic voice for involvement, connection, and support.

One longtime friend and fellow alumnus described Fay as the ultimate “Crossmen Cheerleader.” That description captures her spirit perfectly. Fay believes deeply in the corps, celebrates its people, supports its members, and reminds alumni that they remain part of something meaningful long after their final performance.

Fay has also served as a Crossmen Guardian, continuing her commitment to the well-being and future of the organization. Her love for the corps has never been passive. She shows up, reaches out, organizes, encourages, and gives of herself year after year.

For her seven seasons as a charter member and performer, her leadership in strengthening the Crossmen Alumni Association, her work growing and maintaining the alumni database, her support of fundraising, scholarships, and member care, and her lifelong role as a passionate ambassador for the spirit of Bones, we proudly honor Fay Campbell Thompson as a member of the Crossmen Hall of Fame Class of 2022.