multitude of awards including the Bronze Star. The citation credits the ability of Major Taylor to think calmly and decisively to keep his subordinates safe while traversing 600,000 miles of roads in Iraq, laden with improvised explosive devices (commonly referred to as IED ) and ripe for ambush. (6) During one particularly harrowing mission, Major Taylor’s vehicle was struck by an IED. Although he survived the attack, the wounds he received earned him the Purple Heart. (7) Major Taylor’s amazing record of service was not limited to the battlefield. In 2010, he served as a member of the North Ogden City Council and, in 2013, Major Taylor was elected mayor. His steadfast leadership led to the city being recognized as Business Friendly by the Governor of Utah, and as one of the safest, freest cities in the United States by several organizations. His initiatives included improvements to public works and infrastructure, attracting businesses to the area, developing a local community center, and increasing transparency. His action led his constituents to reelect Major Taylor in 2017. (8) In 2018, Major Taylor placed himself on a leave of absence from his mayoral duties in order to deploy to Afghanistan, explaining to his constituents, Service is what leadership is all about. . (9) While serving in Afghanistan, a dear colleague, Afghani Lieutenant Kefayatullah, was killed shortly before the Afghan elections. Major Taylor wrote, The strong turnout at that election, despite the attacks and challenges, was a success for the long-suffering people of Afghanistan, and for the cause of human freedom. I am proud of the brave Afghan and U.S. soldiers I serve with. Many American, NATO and Afghan troops have died to make moments like this election possible. . He also extolled the American public to embrace its civic duty, stating, I hope everyone back home exercises their precious right to vote. And that whether the Republicans or Democrats win, that we all remember that we have far more as Americans that unites us than divides