Taylor Morris
After high school, Taylor pursued a career with the Navy. I was less
than thrilled with his decision, but tried to stay supportive
none-the-less. I told him, if he even once felt like the military
wasn’t the right path that he should drop out and we could go to ninja
school together. I didn’t see him much and we didn’t stay in touch very
well. He ended up becoming a member of an elite class of soldiers
known as the EOD. The Explosive Ordinance Disposal teams are the first
men on the battle field. They clear paths of explosives for other
soldiers, literally putting their lives on the line for their fellow
men.
On May 3, 2012, Taylor stepped on an IED. When the news hit our
hometown of Cedar Falls, Iowa, our community dropped to their knees.
The damage Taylor sustained was extremely severe. The explosion blew
off his legs, his left arm and his right hand. After receiving
immediate medical attention in Afghanistan, he transferred to a hospital
in Germany, and May 6th was taken to Walter Reed Medical Academy in
Washington DC to begin the long rehabilitation process.
Taylor does not want to be called a hero. He states “I
was simply doing my job, which I knew the risks of. The people who went
into known danger to save my life are the real heroes.” Taylor might not
want to acknowledge being a hero on the battle field, but in my opinion,
he can’t deny being the strongest inspiration to everyone who hears his
story. The bomb took much more than his limbs, it took his
independence, privacy, ease of living.
Taylor Morris is a Hero. A true blue dyed in the wool American Hero. When the call came not only did he answer his duty to Country, he asked for the most dangerous job there was. So, that he could protect other American soldiers. Taylor Morris is an American Hero who's example should be held up high and for all to see. I salute you Taylor Morris and all the gallant men who serve in the United States Armed Forces.
If you wish to stop in and Salute Taylor Morris yourself his website is www.taylormorris.org/
