I met Brent Taylor in 2017 when he spoke at a training for newly elected municipal leaders. As Mayor of North Ogden, he was preparing for his fourth combat deployment. Charismatic and well-spoken, Brent was impressive and left a lasting impression on me.

Like all of Utah, I mourned when Brent was killed. My heart broke for his beautiful family. A few months later, Jennie spoke at our Utah League of Cities and Towns conference, presenting the inaugural Brent and Jennie Taylor Service Award. Her message was inspiring and I felt compelled to honor Brent’s legacy. After the meeting, I introduced myself to Jennie and we became fast friends.

Today, I am honored to serve with the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, an organization dedicated to TRAINING service-oriented leaders; HONORING military members, first responders, and their families; and ENGAGING communities in meaningful service. Our initiatives—such as the 9/11 Project, Gold Star Family Flight to the War on Terrorism Memorial, Veteran’s Week Devotional, Field of Honor, flag missions, flying “The Major” over Coldwater Canyon, the BT5 Leadership Training Program, and Leadership Legacy Scholarships—help preserve Brent’s legacy and inspire future leaders.

Jennie’s vision to Train, Honor, and Engage is making a significant impact, and the success of our annual fundraising Gala is essential to continuing this work. If you haven’t attended, I invite you to join us in November for one of the most patriotic and inspiring nights of the year.

Personally, I’ve sought to Train, Honor, and Engage my own community by installing a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (GSFMM) in South Jordan. North Ogden installed Utah’s first monument following Brent’s death. I first became aware of these efforts as Jennie was helping St. George prepare to install a monument. That dedication ceremony was inspiring and I knew our city needed one, too.

Today, South Jordan is proud to have the first GSFMM in Salt Lake County and Utah’s third. The beautiful monument stands in the plaza outside our Public Safety headquarters, surrounded by benches and fountains, providing a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance. Along with our Veteran’s memorial, this monument is a sincere expression of gratitude to those who have sacrificed so much for the cause of liberty.

I am grateful to play a small role in this important work. I appreciate all who step up to serve, and the family and friends who support them. My hope is that each of us will find ways to give back to our own communities.

As Ronald Reagan said, “The strength of our nation is our people, and the strength of our people is their faith in freedom and in one another.” As a member of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation Executive Board, I am blessed to serve with the best people.