JVS students talk with Retired Colonel David W. Taylor. From left: Brad Easterly (Amherst), Jonny Sherbert (Elyria), Alberto Torres (Clearview), Josh Balcer (Elyria).

June 10, 2012 -- David W. Taylor, Retired Colonel from the United States Army Special Forces, visited the Lorain County JVS recently to share stories about his time in Vietnam. Taylor spoke with students in the Future Soldiers' Club and Ms. Megan Champagne's English classes. The English students read the book Fallen Angels, a novel about the Vietnam War, in preparation for the lecture.

Taylor served as an infantry platoon leader in the Vietnam War with the 5th/46th Infantry Battalion during which time he contracted malaria, was wounded with shrapnel from an enemy mine, and shot twice while rescuing a helicopter crew which had been shot down.

After four years of active duty, Taylor served in the Army Reserve Special Forces (Green Berets) for 22 years with an orientation towards Latin America, Counter-Terrorism and Joint Special Operations. Among his over 22 awards and decorations are the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Two Purple Hearts, and Joint Services Meritorious Medal.

"The students were in awe of the experiences Mr. Taylor shared," stated Champagne. "It was emotional for our students to hear some of his stories, many of whom have plans to join the military. They were very respectful of his service to our country."