A patriot's story
Local soldier killed in combat joined Army in wake of 9/11 attacks
By Ron Menchaca
The Post and Courier
Kim Taylor, mother of Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Joseph Taylor, shows reporters pictures of her son in the living room of the family home in Hanahan on Wednesday. At left are Matthew Taylor's father Don Taylor and grandmother Deane MacLellan.
Taylor
Additional story
Local soldier killed; 25-year-old man hit by gunfire in Baghdad, published 09/24/08
Matthew Taylor wasn't sure what life held for him after leaving Fort Dorchester High School. But he knew what he had to do months later when airliners struck the World Trade Center towers.
The next day, Taylor and his father drove to a U.S. Army recruiting station on Rivers Avenue. Taylor knew that if he was going to seek justice for the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he'd need a frontline fighting position. He enlisted in the Infantry.
"It was patriotism. He felt for all the people who had been killed," his father, Don Taylor, said Wednesday. "He had an extreme sense of duty."
With the twin towers still smoldering, Matthew looked to his father and said, "We need to go and deal with that."
Taylor eventually made it to Afghanistan, where he battled the Taliban in the mountainous terrain. He survived two tours there before deploying to Iraq last year.
Taylor's parents and wife last spoke with him by phone Saturday. He called to wish his 5-year-old daughter a happy birthday. But his heart sounded heavy because he hated missing those special occasions.
The next day, Sunday, Staff Sgt. Taylor patrolled in Baghdad with his unit when shots rang out in an alleyway. Taylor was struck multiple times by enemy small arms fire.
He died in a military hospital, his father said. "He was doing what he was proud of. We all knew that there was a good possibility this could happen."
Family members gathered at the Taylor home in Hanahan on Wednesday, remembering the baby, the boy and the man whose pictures line the living room walls. One of Taylor's desert uniforms hung on a hanger in the center of the room.
Taylor grew up in Summerville. He attended Summerville Elementary, Oakbrook Middle School and Fort Dorchester High School. His family said he was intelligent, caring and funny. He fished, played golf and guitar and occasionally strummed blues and rock chords for local bands.
Kimberly Taylor said her son had a level head. "He wasn't shy, but not over the top either."
By November 2001, Taylor shipped out for basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., trading his high school band uniform for camouflage fatigues.
Taylor was first assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y. The division is known as one of the military's most deployed units.
He rose quickly through the ranks and learned to wear many hats. He later re-enlisted and transferred to a newly created brigade of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk, La.
Taylor was scheduled to get out of the Army before his deployment to Iraq, but the military extended his service so he could deploy, said his wife, Randi Taylor. "He wasn't supposed to be there."
While 9/11 gave Taylor's life focus, his marriage and children gave it meaning. He and Randi had three girls: Ryann, 5; Raegan, 2; and Raina, who was born in June.
"They were the achievement of his life," said his mother. "He loved the Army, but his family came first."
Taylor was looking forward to returning home from Iraq later this year. His oldest daughter, Ryann, was counting down the days until her daddy came home: 61.
Taylor was due to leave the military next spring, and he was nervous about embarking on a career outside the military. It wasn't like him to fret over the future, his mom said. He had a saying — "live 15 minutes at a time." It was a phrase the soldiers in his unit used because they never knew what lay around the next corner.
Taylor's wife and his sister, Stefani Arnold, traveled to Fort Polk. La., Wednesday to attend a memorial service planned for today. Local funeral arrangements are pending until the military releases Taylor's body to his family.
Randi, who is from Goose Creek, met her husband through her brother. She said she pursued him because he was afraid her brother would not want them to date. "I was the aggressor."
Everyone looked to Matthew to get them through tough times, she said. "He's the one we need right now."
Taylor told his wife and parents that he might die in war. He knew it from the loss of several comrades and the close calls he survived.
On his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2007, Taylor's unit waged a fierce battle with Taliban fighters on a mountaintop near the Pakistan border. When one of his unit's leaders went down, Taylor stepped up. He radioed in grid coordinates for air support and guided in helicopters to evacuate the wounded. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his courage that day.
That night, he and his buddies broke open a box of cigars that his dad had sent. A picture of the soldiers' impromptu celebration rests on the Taylors' coffee table.
Randi said the men in her husband's unit were like family to him. She has found some comfort in knowing they were with him at the end. "It makes it a little easier. He would say, 'If it's your time, it's your time.' "
Reach Ron Menchaca at rmenchaca@postandcourier.com or 937-5724.
E-mail this story
Printer-friendly versionComments
BillytheKid (anonymous) says...
Thank you Matthew, we let you down.
September 25, 2008 at 1:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyGator1983 (anonymous) says...
I'd like to give my heart felt thanks to Staff Sgt. Matthew Taylor for his heroism and dedication to this country. He did what so many wanted to do after 9/11. It must have been very hard for him leaving his wife Randi and his three little girls at home, while he went off to a far away land to do as his country asked him to do. I know in my heart that Matthew is in Heaven and there he will wait for his beautiful wife and children.
Randi, please know that you are not alone in this. Your entire community is here to help you in any way that you need help, that's what family and friends are for.
I am grateful to your husband! I am thankful that there are soldiers out there protecting our country, so that we will always have our freedoms. My grand-father fought in 3 wars. He always taught us to respect the uniform and the flag. He also taught us to respect the soldier! Randi, your husband has that respect from me.
May Heavenly Father continue to bless Matthew as well as you and your children. May he also bless and watch over you and your family and keep each of you safe from harm. Remember to always love one another and all will be well.
May God Bless You Always!
Randi, once a gator, always a gator!
September 25, 2008 at 1:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sgtpsycho (anonymous) says...
SSG TAYLOR-- RIP. G-D Bless your family. Your comrades will avenge you. -- SSG PSYCHO.
September 25, 2008 at 5:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
"He had an extreme sense of duty."
MORE YOUNG PEOPLE, HECK JUST MORE PEOPLE, NEED THE SAME, A SENSE OF DUTY. THANKS YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE YOUNG MAN.
September 25, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pirate42 (anonymous) says...
God speed to him, God bless his parents keep them all safe through the hard times ahead. Navy Corpman R
September 25, 2008 at 6:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DanniD (anonymous) says...
Thank you for all that you did. May God watch over your family and keep them safe.
September 25, 2008 at 6:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dadsemt (anonymous) says...
To the family of Staff Sgt. Matthew Taylor:
I want to thank you for your dedicated service to this county. Yours is the hard job, waiting at home for your husband & dad to return home. I am sure he'll be missed, but I'm glad he's returning a hero. He supported our freedom and way of life so we all could sleep safe at night. My prayers and the prayers of all the military members and supporters are with you and your family. May the angles lift up your husband and lift up your family in this, your time of need.
Thank you, BMCS Ted A. Bouthiller, USNR, NCHB 4, Charleston, SC
September 25, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dadsemt (anonymous) says...
spankerbuns,
Keep you leftist political B.S. to yourself. This kid and HIS FAMILY gave it all so your leftist butt can be safe here at night and not have to worry about the war coming over here. So just Bless his family and say "THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE" and Put you leftist BS under a different story.
September 25, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MattsMom (anonymous) says...
I am Matt's mom. After talking with Randi, we all agreed to share this moment of profoundest grief (via media) with others in order to honor Matt's life. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support on his behalf, from friends, neighbors, colleagues, and total strangers. We are reading these comments and finding much comfort in your messages of condolence and appreciation. Thank you for not turning this very personal, very devastating time of sorrow into a debate, especially in this forum. Our son died for freedom, but there is a time and a place and a season for everything. This is a season of sorrow for us, a darkness unimaginable. Thank you all for your support, your prayers, and your expressions of gratitude for our son's life and duty. We are in your debt.
Don and Kim Taylor and Family
September 25, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
katsplay (anonymous) says...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My daughter was a bandmate of Matt, though he was a couple of years ahead her in school. It tears my heart up to read of someone so young leaving a family so young.
May you find comfort in your faith and family.
September 25, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scbubba (anonymous) says...
I want to say that my family and I are thankful for Matt and the freedom that he has helped secure for all of us. We are also heartbroken for his family and what they are going through.
The sacrifices that Matt and the Taylor family have made are huge and can not be repaid.
May God give you peace and comfort. You are in our prayers daily.
- Bubba
September 25, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Mrs. Taylor, please accept our heartfelt condolences and know that each and every one of us are grateful to your son and all of the other sons and daughters who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our military.
I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that on occasion when an article about a person's death is published the comments section is generally used to express opinions, good and bad, about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Occasionally family members or acquaintances of the deceased will protest that this forum is not the place for such opinions. Whereas some of us will point out that this forum is exactly the place to express such opinions.
Most sane individuals do not wish to compound a family's grief by posting negative things in this forum but occasionally it does happen. And it is my hope that you understand that and not subject yourself or your loved ones to the possibility that something may be posted here that will be contrary to what you and your family believes in.
You son died a hero, a patriot. He died not only serving his country but to give others the opportunity to enjoy the liberties we have, including freedom of speech. Unfortunately that freedom includes occasionally saying things that others may find hurtful.
The Post & Courier has a dedicated space on their website where all who wish to offer their sympathies, condolences and memories of the deceased can do so without impunity. Having recently suffered through the loss of an immediate family member I found the online guestbook to be an invaluable memorial to him. I hope you and your family will too.
Again, I offer my sincere condolences and heartfelt gratitude to your son. His sacrifice should remind ALL of us just how precious life is and how wonderful a nation we live in where we can enjoy the rights and liberties that are so often denied to many others in the world.
Take care.
Ms. E. Y. Figueroa
September 25, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Carolinag1rl (anonymous) says...
As a former classmate of Matt's, I will always remember that he was such a wonderful person and friend!
My heart goes out to his family!
Thank you for serving our country! God Bless!
September 25, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoniaDutchess (anonymous) says...
To the Taylor Family--
Please know that the thoughts and prayers of many are with you during this difficult time. I pray you find comfort and peace. Nothing can replace your son/husband/daddy/brother, but in the eyes of many, he's a true hero. I admire his courage and bravery as he fought terrorism on foreign soil so he wouldn't have to fight it on ours. God bless you, Taylor family.
September 25, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
512c (anonymous) says...
Thank you for giving your son to our human race, it makes me so sad to hear this story. I hope you all feel our sincere grievance and feel our love.
Let us all pray for PEACE!
September 25, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
willbillbedamned (anonymous) says...
I sit here with tears in my eyes after reading the message from MattsMom. It is written "No greater love hath a man, than to lay down his life for his friends". I hope Matts' family finds solace in the fact that he died for something in which he believed. Thank you for raising such a fine young man.
September 25, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
MattsMom-I am so terribly sorry for your family and this countrys loss.Your son was very special.He was a patriot who sacrificed and put service before self to keep us safe.I am praying for you and your family to find strength during this difficult time.
September 25, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cbpost (anonymous) says...
Sgt. Matthew Taylor, I offer my sincerest gratitude for your protection of my freedom.
To the Taylor Family
God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
flower-strewn pathways,
All our lives through.
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
peace without pain.
But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way.
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
September 25, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Once again to the Taylor family, my deepest condolences on your loss and thank you for your son's service to the country.
RIP my brother in arms
Spankerbuns, for heavens sake have some respect and save the political BS for another article.
September 25, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...
Mrs. Taylor, God knows you never wanted to be a Gold Star mother. I am so sorry for your family's loss, and so grateful for the values and courage you instilled in your son. Your family is lifted up in many, many prayers today.
September 25, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ffpjones (anonymous) says...
Dr. Taylor,
No, we are all in debt to you. There will be light again. My family and I will pray for it. Chris J.
September 25, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kjbrack (anonymous) says...
God Bless your whole family. The days ahead for your family will be hard, but always remember he did not die in vane, he gave his life for his country. My family will keep you in our prayers.
MSgt. Kevin Brackett USAF
September 25, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
To Matt's family,
Thank you for raising such a wonderful son. I can only begin to imagine how heavy your hearts are at this time.
Please take solace in knowing that your son is a hero, and he leaves behind a legacy to his children that few fathers can claim.
May God bless you and keep you during these very rough times. I give my heartfelt thanks to Matthew for fighting for our freedom and for avenging those poor souls that perished on 9/11.
He will forever be a hero, and he did not give his life in vain.
September 25, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChasCarolinaGirl (anonymous) says...
To MattsMom and family,
Matt will always be remembered. Just typing this gives me the chills. I am really sorry for your loss, but am thankful for what he did for us as a country. God bless you and your family!
September 25, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
"Taylor was scheduled to get out of the Army before his deployment to Iraq, but the military extended his service so he could deploy, said his wife, Randi Taylor. "He wasn't supposed to be there."
The tragedy of STOP LOSS. The death of Staff Sgt. Matthew Joseph Taylor and all of the patriotic young men who have perished in Irag, is a big loss for our country.
September 25, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lionheart (anonymous) says...
"If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my child may have peace." -Thomas Paine
Don, Kim, Randi and family, Thank You for your sacrifice. Staff Sergeant Taylor, Thank You. Go in Peace Brother.
September 25, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TheSwabbie (anonymous) says...
Taylor Family what words? They escape me. What a PATRIOT, What an American. I am sorry beyond words for your loss. He will NEVER be forgotten. I promise you will be in our prayers.
September 25, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hunnebe (anonymous) says...
Taylor Family
As a Army Family too, I just wanted to let you know our hearts go out to your family. I know how proud you are of your Son. No matter what, these are OUR children. Even if I dont personally know someone who gets killed in action it still breaks my heart. Just know you and His wife and kids are in our prayers. May God Bless You!
September 25, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltoyster (anonymous) says...
Courage, Kim. Mark and I are here for you, and your colleagues love and respect you, more than you know. You will see Matt again. Love, Jenny
September 25, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
underdoor4 (anonymous) says...
Dear Kim and Don - I'm so sorry to hear about Matt. I've thought about y'all many times over the years, and wondered how everyone was doing. Looks like you did a an amazing job raising the kids. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian
September 26, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kristenlaz (anonymous) says...
our hearts go out to your family. My husband was in SSG Taylor's Company, and there with him Sunday. My Husband SSG Lazarony looked up to him as a solider and a friend. You raised a great Person! We are very sorry for your loss and you are all in our prayers.
SSG Lazarony and Wife Kristen
September 26, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SemperFi1084 (anonymous) says...
I am deeply saddened by your loss. I grew up in the area and most likely know your family. God Bless you all.
LH
September 26, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mattscuz (anonymous) says...
As a member of Matt's extended family, I cannot express how proud we are of him. He accomplished more in his short life than most people ever do. I can only imagine how much he would have accomplished if he had been given more time.His courage is unmatched. We are also very proud of Randi. Each of Matt's family remain in our prayers.
September 26, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
xwind (anonymous) says...
Matt made the ultimate "CLIMB TO GLORY" My Flag will be at 1/2 staff on Sat. Oct.5 for a real American Hero.
September 30, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lazlamily (anonymous) says...
To the family of Staff Sgt. Matthew Taylor:
On behalf of my entire family I would like to thank you for the excellent job you did raising Matthew. My Son Scott served with him in Iraq and was there with him that day, I know how much pain he is going through, I can only imagine what all of you must be feeling. I hope these thoughts and words begin to help ease the pain for all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jay & Donna Lazarony
Parents of Staff Sgt. Scott Lazarony
October 4, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mauserman420 (anonymous) says...
To the friends, family and communtiy that grew up and made the man that I knew for four years professionally, I express my most sincere and heart felt condolences to you all. SSG Taylor was one man that I knew I'd like from the first moment I met him in 2004. Matt's knowledge of all genres of music is something that he and I could always talk about. This might sound weird, but as a fellow Newport smoker, he and I would always gravitate towards each other, if for nothing but to bum a cigarette from the other. His gift in humor and the delivery of his jokes was unnatural. In short, Alpha Company laughs a little less. The world is a little less brighter and for the rest of my life, I'll remember September 21, 2008, my 28th birthday as the day that Matt left his family and his brothers for a better place. Once again, please accept my deepest apologies for your loss.
Spc. Steve Stewart
October 4, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by signing up!
Full terms and conditions can be read here.
Thank you for your interest in this story. The comment thread for this article has been closed.
- Most Commented
- Most Emailed
- S.C. losing port traffic to other states
- Out with old ...
- New drug may hold promise for lupus sufferers
- Cart gives Buddy new lease on life
- Water — 'The smell is gone'
- Schools plan to update visitor-security system
- GenPhar site 'red-tagged'
- Off campus
- Man, 17, killed in motorcycle wreck
- Historic manor house used by Girl Scouts is among buildings that might be torn down to make way for future
