Local soldier killed
25-year-old man hit by gunfire in Baghdad
PROVIDED
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Taylor holds his 1-month-old daughter, Raina Taylor, in July.
Taylor
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Joseph Taylor came home from Iraq this summer to see his brand-new baby daughter. He spent two weeks at a rented beach house with his wife and three children, then said farewell once again and went back to the war.
Taylor's wife, Randi Taylor, and their children have been staying in Goose Creek with her family while the sergeant was overseas. On Sunday, a chaplain and a first sergeant with the 10th Mountain Division (Light) Infantry knocked on the door.
"We knew what it meant," said the soldier's father-in-law, Randy Gongre.
The former Summerville resident and Fort Dorchester High School student was on patrol in Baghdad on Sunday when he was wounded by small arms fire and died, said Samantha Evans, public information officer for Fort Polk, La., where the staff sergeant was stationed. Taylor was an infantryman assigned to the division's 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.
His parents live in Hanahan. He was the son of Don Taylor, chief technology officer for Benefitfocus, and Kimberly Taylor, head of the English Department at Trident Technical College.
A former band drum major for Fort Dorchester, Taylor went to the Army recruiter's office the day after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
"He felt like he needed to do his part," his wife said. "He said that he needed to contribute in some way."
By November of that year, he was in the Army, and the following summer he married Randi, a 2002 Goose Creek High School graduate.
"He was about the best son-in-law you could ask for," Gongre said.
The 25-year-old was deployed twice to Afghanistan and was on his first tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed. He was a squad leader.
"He was a natural leader. One thing the Army really did was it brought out all the fine points of his character. ... I watched him mature over the years," Gongre said. "He had a lot of fine leadership qualities. He took charge of things and got things done. He was a good fit for the Army."
"I bragged about him to all of my friends," Gongre said.
Matthew Taylor's awards include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Matthew Taylor planned to leave the Army at the end of his enlistment next April.
"He wanted to be with his family," his father said.
The staff sergeant is survived by three daughters: Ryann Taylor, 5; Raegan Taylor, 2; and Raina Taylor, who was born in June.
Carolina Memorial Funeral Home in North Charleston is handling the arrangements. Services had not been scheduled by late Tuesday.
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Comments
orpheus (anonymous) says...
god speed brother, thanks to you and your family for your sacrifice. may your brothers who went before you greet you with love and open arms.
September 24, 2008 at 3:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
I thank you for your service. Your great sacrifice will not be forgotten.
September 24, 2008 at 3:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sig (anonymous) says...
Another young soldier gone protecting our country. May God bless him and his family and we all need to pray for them!
Few people understand the sacrifices made by our military to include the ultimate sacrifice.
September 24, 2008 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
The prayers & thoughts of many are with your family, Sgt. Taylor.
September 24, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
To Sgt. Taylor: Thank you.
To the Family: I'm sorry for your loss. There's nothing that can be said to you to make you understand how much I appreciate Sgt. Taylor's service to his country. Just try to understand that this difficult time of sorrow will pass. Trust me, I know.
Take care and be strong.
September 24, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
saltersf1 (anonymous) says...
To all loved one of SGT Taylor: Thank for producing such a fine brave young man. I will keep him my prayers. I'm sorry for your loss.
September 24, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlueWaterDay (anonymous) says...
With tears in my eyes, I say Thank You to Sgt. Taylor and his family.
Thank God for people as honorable and brave as he.
September 24, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
misspinkness4 (anonymous) says...
I am a former student of Kimberly Taylor and I would just like to say my thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Taylors family and may God protect you all. Thank you for standing up for our country and being a brave man to fight for all of us. RIP Sgt. Taylor.
September 24, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
willie08 (anonymous) says...
THE BEST WAY WE CAN SUPPORT OUR TROOPS IS TO BRING THEM HOME, AND END THIS WAR NOW.
He was a brave young man who was taken from us too soon.
How many more young adults will die in this endless war before we realize that WAR is not the answer?
These patriots should be defending our land ON our land, not foreign land.
September 24, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
granny2 (anonymous) says...
Condolences to the friends and family. Thanks for doing all that you have done.
September 24, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonroots (anonymous) says...
Thank you Sgt. Taylor, you gave your life protecting us. My deepest sympathy to the family.
September 24, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
willie08,
I am not going to get into a debate with you, but apparently you know nothing of military tactics and I, for one, would rather have ANY war on soil far from my own land than have one within my own country.
That is all, sir. Have a wonderful day.
September 24, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
captivated (anonymous) says...
My deepest condolences to the family of this fine young man. Thank you SSgt.Taylor for making the supreme sacrifice for your country.
September 24, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boplaw (anonymous) says...
My condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Taylor.
September 24, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Thank you for you service and sacrifice.May God bless you and your family.If it weren't for our brave military we wouldn't have the freedoms and safety we have now.God bless the USA.So many forget that in many other countries we wouldn't even have the freedom of speech we enjoy here.
September 24, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southernbelle86 (anonymous) says...
willie08,
I neither want to get in a debate with you, but let me give you a little heads up, I work for a company who helps save the lives of these soldiers by what we do, and Americans HAVE no real clue why we are over there, they just know what the news tells them. So, you dont have to support this war, but DA***T the least you can do is support our men and women over there and quit your bitc**.
"If You Don't Stand Behind Our Troops, Feel Free To Stand In Front Of Them!"
THANK YOU SGT. Taylor for all you did for us here. Because of you and the many men before you we can live our lives here in the US. THANK YOU SIR!!!
September 24, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
God Speed trooper, blessings and condolences to your family and your daughter. Rest in peace my brother in arms.
September 24, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
n4dhs (anonymous) says...
My husband not only served nearly 25 years in the military and also fought not just in Vietnam but in the first Gulf War and now he works for a government contractor - you willie "sir" are a ungracious, ungrateful person - they serve so you can have the freedom to open your mouth....
September 24, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gunlover (anonymous) says...
Let the country show their gratitude by honoring Sgt.Taylor with a twenty-one (21) gun salute at his burial.
As for Willie08, if it was not for their service to this country overseas, your liberal butt would be facing Mecca 5 times a day to pray, and this country would be under Islamic law, one thing I do not want to see(at least in my lifetime).
September 24, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rggr (anonymous) says...
My condolences to the family of this honorable man. I am sorry for your loss. Please know that his service is appreciated, and I hope that the support of loved ones and fond memories will help you through this difficult time.
September 24, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lowcountrydawg (anonymous) says...
God Bless this family...and pray for repose of his soul into heaven as God, his Angels, and Saints welcome him home!!
He fought the good fight...
September 24, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bravecharleston9myspace (anonymous) says...
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!
YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!
AND TO THE FAMILY....
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS!!!!
MY HEART IS YOURS!!!!!
never forgetting with u,
missy :O(.......
September 24, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cravenm (anonymous) says...
With sincere sympathy, I send my appreciation to both SGT Taylor and his family for all of their sacrifices!
He is Not Gone - by Genie Graveline
Ease your grief, he is not gone
For in your heart he lingers on.
His smile, his laugh, his special way,
Will comfort you from day to day.
You'll feel his presence in the breeze
That dances gently through the trees.
And it's his face that you shall see
When you're in need of company.
At any time you can recall
The love you shared... you saved it all.
And really more than anything,
You'll find peace in remembering.
September 24, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FindingMyself (anonymous) says...
I agree that this war is unfair and at this point unnecessary, and that many people are dying needlessly and being taken from their families too soon. However, this is not the appropriate place to debate such things, as this is an article honoring someone who lost his life and left behind children he will now never get to see grow up. My condolences goes to this family.
September 24, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Finding myself- should have just given your condolences. I'm sure the families of the WTC victims would disagree with the rest of your post.
My condolences to the family from the daughter of a Vietnam vet.
September 24, 2008 at 2 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coahtrtaylor (anonymous) says...
God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.
Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for the Taylor family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.
In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite them together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.
Amen.
September 24, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tygers1231 (anonymous) says...
TAPS, TAPS SOLDIER....YOU LIVED AND DIED A HERO!!!!!!!!!!!! May God bless and wrap His loving arms around your family. SGT. Taylor gave his life for love of his country and love of his faily. What an OUTSTANDING young man. I hope that this family is not allowed to fall through the cracks of our Gov't like many do. I send my deepest sympathy to the family. Always, remember that he didn't die in vain, he died Hero!
September 24, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sullivan (anonymous) says...
I encourage anyone to watch the factual documentary "Why We Fight" which reveals much more then the media or the government wish to let us know regarding war as a business as opposed to war as a national defense.
It can be purchased or rented at most video outlets.
Sgt. J. Pat Mc Elligott U.S.M.C. 1963-1967 Viet Nam service 1965-1966
My heart is heavy for his widow & the three children who will never have the opportunity to have dad mentor and love them or the parents, siblings & other friends and relatives that will mourn him until they also pass.
These kind of stories are being repeated nationwide on a daily basis & we question each others loyalty & patriotism instead of the politicians of both parties that we look to for leadership???
This young man died much to young and a tear stained flag to show his children why he died is something I hope they can accept as a reason why dad wasn't there for them.
September 24, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
luvmydogs59 (anonymous) says...
My heartfelt sympathy to the family of this brave young soldier. He gave his life to protect our freedoms. Rest in peace, Matthew.
September 24, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yellow07 (anonymous) says...
My condolences to his family, Sgt Taylor's bravery will never be forgotten.
September 24, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SmooveB (anonymous) says...
The motto of the 30th Infantry is "OUR COUNTRY NOT OURSELVES." I think that says a lot for this trooper, and I'm glad our country still produces men like these.
RIP SSG Taylor. My condolences to his family.
September 24, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tommyd29445 (anonymous) says...
From Am'Legion Palmetto Post 112, Chaplian:
Tommy D. Fitzgerald
Please accept our preyers of comfort during your time of lost, and may God Bless you.
September 24, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
Willie and Finding should be ashamed. Thank you Randi Taylor for allowing your husband to protect these poeple and the rest of the country. I agree a local fund should be set up...we know this fund will not go the way of the SOS fund....Reach out to all good people here if we can help
September 24, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southerngirl45 (anonymous) says...
What a honor he must have been to your families.Thank you for sharing him with us.What a role he played in keeping us safe!.I pray God will watch over your family Sgt.Taylor and
may you rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to both families of this heroic young man and to all those who knew and loved him
Southerngirl45
September 24, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mackjr (anonymous) says...
Thank you Sgt. Taylor for you service to this country. As a fellow Veteran (USAF 1986-96), I'm proud to count you as my brother. I pray that your family will be well taken care of and know that I will never forget......
September 24, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FindingMyself (anonymous) says...
Why should I be ashamed? I agree with protecting the country. I agree that the soldiers themselves should be respected and honored. What I don't agree with is the way the President is manipulating the war into going on and on. It started out looking for 'weapons of mass destruction'. To my knowledge, none have been found, so they turned it towards something else. And so on. The soldiers themselves are doing their jobs and fighting for what they believe in, and I hold no animosity in that.
September 25, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biggestdawgie (anonymous) says...
You have the thanks and sympathy of your neighbors and countrymen. It shows great character on Matts part to shoulder the burden and endure the sacrifices necessary to prevail in the War on Terrorism. Political opinions and the freedoms we so often take for granted are only possible due to the real sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families. God Bless America and SSG Matthew Taylor !!
September 28, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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