Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Camara. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Elisa M. Camara was born and raised in West Virginia. She has a degree in Business Administration from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Elisa created the Patriot Pup series in honor of her brother, USMC Sgt. Mecot Camara, who was killed in the October 1983 Beirut Bombing (which inspired her first book titled American Brother). His patriotism and love of children inspired Elisa to create these books. Now Sgt. Camara is one of the main characters alongside her youngest son, Hank, and the mischievous puppy named Patriot Pup.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road getting these books into the hands of our children. Many schools declined having Patriot Pup come to visit their schools and then the pandemic hit and school presentations went by the wayside do not seem to be as popular as they were pre-pandemic.
Teaching patriotism does not seem to be important to preschool and elementary school’s curriculum. I did a brief survey with children asking them to tell me what patriotism means to them. And many did not know the definition of patriotism much less, what it means to be patriotic.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I am very busy with the 501 (c)(3) non-profit foundation I created in honor of my brother, USMC Sgt. Mecot Camara, killed in the Beirut Bombing of 1983. Our foundation provides scholarships to children of military families, creates short clip videos of veterans telling their time serving our country and helping our veterans and those in need. More specifically, we are creating a full-feature documentary about the Marines in Beirut, Lebanon from 1982-84. The trailer is available to view at www.wecameinpeace.us and the entire documentary will be released on the 40th anniversary of the Beirut Bombing, October 23, 2023.
Also, I am continuing to write Patriot Pup books to inspire our country’s children to love America and our freedom.
In addition, I have been very humbled by the men and women in our military and the Gold Star families who I have had the blessing of getting to know as a result of completing my first book titled American Brother, which is the foundation for all these wonderful, patriotic tasks I am trying to accomplish.
Don Inns, is a Beirut veteran who served with my brother Mecot and he wrote a very special review of American Brother that is so very special to me. See below:
American Brother is an American love story. It’s a story of a young Marine’s love of God, Country, Corps, and Family. It’s also a story of a little sister’s love for her big brother. The author, Elisa Camara, puts Hinton, WV on the map, her only brother, Sgt. Mecot Camara, in our hearts, and the Beirut bombing in our collective conscience.
I always knew Mecot was squared away. Now I know why. Whether defending his sister’s honor in high school or his nation’s interests in the Middle East, the reader catches the essence of the making of Mecot. Born of a Filipino-American father and an all-American mother from Kentucky, Mecot matured beyond his years. From the football field of Hinton to the battlefield of Beirut, Mecot was a leader.
Mecot and his Marines were attached to my unit, Charlie Company 1/8, for much of our tour in Beirut. As the late Captain Michael Haskell noted, “Sgt. Camara’s section has been an integral part of Co. C’s performance at two of its most vital, visible, and tactically significant areas. Of particular note were Sgt. Camara’s performance and demonstrated courage, presence of mind, tactical proficiency, and leadership during several occasions when his section’s positions were subjected to intense direct and indirect fire.” Glorious praise from a Marine (Mustang) Officer held in high esteem.
Ironically, Mecot was sharp enough to follow in Captain Haskell’s combat boots and become a Drill Instructor and even an Officer. Mecot caught on quickly and picked up rank even quicker. In Beirut, he kept his men busy fortifying their positions and reinforcing our patrols. I regret not getting to know him on a more personal level, but feel I do now thanks to American Brother.
In the bitter end, Mecot died the way he lived: fighting to hold on, surrounded by Marines, humbly, and heroically. He left behind a young wife, infant son, and a legacy. After the bombing, Marine Corps Commandant General P.X. Kelley asked, “Lord, where do we get such men?” American Brother answers this question: they came in peace from families like the Camara’s and places like Hinton.
Elisa ends her journey where Mecot began his: Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC where “Through this portal pass prospects for the world’s finest fighting force: United States Marine Corps.” She seems to find solace in knowing that the cause her big brother believed in and died for marches on. By honoring her “American Brother” Elisa pays tribute to all who have entered that portal and earned the title.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ~ John 15:13 NABRE.
Elisa’s love of Mecot is as close as it gets.
So, what I am most proud of… my brother, a very brave United States Marine that died so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.
And what sets me apart from others? I am no better than anyone else on this earth, I just had to grow up a little faster than most because of the great loss I endured losing my brother at such a young age, but, as an adult, I am trying very hard to turn this terrible tragedy into something beautiful, continue his legacy, and do the things he would have done to better our country if he had not been killed. For me, honoring him and all our fallen heroes means that they will never be forgotten and they did not die in vain.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I would say, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Life is short, take that time to meet new people, listen to their stories and learn from them and help where needed. The reward is so much greater than the risk. Seeing a veteran smile, helping military families get their child to college, seeing a child hug Patriot Pup and know what patriotism means… it doesn’t get any better than that!
Contact Info:
- Email: americanbrotherfoundation@gmail.com
- Website: www.patriotpup.us and www.americanbrotherfoundation.org
- Instagram: patriot_pup and american_brother_foundation
- Facebook: Patriot Pup American Brother American Brother Foundation
- Twitter: amerbrotherbook
- Youtube: Patriot Pup
