Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Another year and Memorial Day passed. Blessed to have known you Keith."
Erik Risheim of Centerville, WA

"Honored to have known him in Iraq. Memorial Day 2022"
Erik Risheim of Centerville, WA USA

"You will be missed and surely not be forgotten. Bless you and your entire Family. Now and ever, you are in my prayers. Read More"
Wendy T. Paris of Oklahoma, OK, USA

"Hey Jessie and Family

Jessie, you brought me from Orlando to St. Augustine the other day. I've had the chance to tell more folks about your brother. I hope it helps to know that he lives on now in others who never met him.

God bless"
Tim Johnson of United States

"To the family of:Keith E.Taylor
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""

"Keith Taylor is with us a piece of him
Lives on in my daughter Deborah K Taylor.
When I look over at Deborah w/ her glasses
on I see Keith. Love of my life thank you for blessing with a beautiful, intelligent,headstrong & kind human being.
I think of him every day, beautiful man inside & out. You have touched our lives
You will never be forgotten.."
Sandra Rivas of Buckeye, Arizona

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I have a son in the RAAF in Australia. I am very proud of him and for all servicemen who stand in the name of World Peace. Bless you for your bravery and bless those you left behind that they remember the special memories of proud and happy times you shared together. Blowin' in the wind......."
Michele Miers of Australia

"Joshua,

I had the opportunity to work with your father including the fatal night of the attack. He was an outstanding contributor to the mission and compassionate member of our team. He orchestrated weekly Sunday evening visits with our military wounded taking them Pizza and soliciting needed items not readily available in the war zone.

Keith is remembered with his photograph and narrative of his sacrifice at a place of honor in the IZ workplace."
Shelby Harvey of Alexandria, VA

"March 19 2009
My name is Joshua Hunter. I was born in 1981 at camp pendelton San Diego, and Keith Taylor is my biological father. My mother informed me his identity when I was 16. Since then the desire to locate him has slowly grown until I finally took to the net to see if I could maybe find an email address. I wanted to maybe contact him and see if there was any of him in me, and possibly connect in a small way. Ironically, the reason I probably found him at all, was because of his sacrifice for our country. I would like to express my condolences to the Taylor family and say how sad I am to have found him this way."
Joshua Hunter of richmond, virginia

"As I listened to today's broadcast of Iraqies voting in the 2009 elections, I recalled the news of a rocket attack at the U.S Embassy when Iraqies last went to the polls in 2005. Little did we know at the time that we had lost a friend. Keith, you and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers."
Stephen Zakur of Newtown, CT

"George and Edith,
My dear friends, Bless you and your entire Family. Now and ever, you are in my prayers."
John V. Harmon of Jacksonville, FL

"January 18, 2009
To the family of Lt. Cmdr. Keith E. Taylor:
Keith gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"The soldiers do not speak. Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them? They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts. They say: We are young. We have died. Remember us. They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done. They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave. They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours they will mean what you make them. They say: Weather our lives and our deaths are for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say: it is you who must say this. They say: We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning. We were young. they say. We have died. Remember us:"
William Taylor of Bonita Springs, Fl.

"To the friends and family of LCDR Keith Taylor:
Although I didn't work with him directly, I worked in the palace at the same time as our fallen Shipmate. The Navy footprint was pretty small at the time, so we as Sailors stuck together. I remember eating chow with him a time or two - he always seemed upbeat and happy to be serving his country and his Lord. He will surely be missed. Sir, may your soul rest in peace, and may God comfort all of those that knew and loved him.

Very respectfully,

YN1(AW) Henry a.k.a. "Steel Dragon"
USN
OIF '04-'05"
Brad Henry of Columbus, Ohio

"Well i really dont know what to say.although im glad to say that im proud that he gave his heart out to the nation indispite of his daughter.i never got the chance to meet him or even see him in pictures until the age of 14.i would have really loved for him to be in my life but i guess he refused as opposed to his other family.we never got the chance to meet or speak but i wish his family the best.im sorry,love you & r.i.p 4ever"
Deborah of Los angeles ca.usa

"I served with LCDR Keith Taylor during my tour in Iraq in 2004. He was my contracting officer and we worked closely on many projects to make Iraq a better place. He was a fine officer and a great friend. His actions demonstrated the finest attributes of the US Navy's officers and seamen serving in Iraq. His many actions supporting our projects left an indelible mark on the country and directly impacted the lives of thousands of Iraqis. Spending time with him each day made the time pass and enriched my life professionally and personally. His memory is always with me and I am grateful that I was able to serve with him and call him a friend. May his soul rest in peace and may God's grace shine on his wonderful family."
Major Fred Hughes, US Army of Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

"I had the privilege of serving with LCDR Keith Taylor as his Commanding Officer. Keith, myself and CDR Oscar Giron deployed together to Iraq as part of Contingency Contracting Wave One, the first combat deployment of SSB-1 Contingency Contracting Company Alfa. Keith was very committed individual, no task was ever too hard or too difficult, and he never shirked his duty. This deployment into Iraq was not his first deployment into a hazardous environment. Keith had previously deployed in support of US operations in Haiti and Bosnia. Keith is one of the finest men that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He played a very critical role in standing up the Navy’s first ever Contingency Contracting Company, and it’s successful deployment into Iraq. He had a wealth of knowledge concerning expeditionary logistics which he freely shared.

He is highly esteemed by those who know him. He was earnestly engaged in the rebuilding of Iraq, the largest effort of its kind since the Marshall Plan. As a member of the Project Contracting Office and the Joint Contracting Command he quickly earned the reputation of being a quick learner and a go-getter. His family can be proud of the legacy that he has left behind in Iraq.

The burden which his family bears is a heavy one, and one that I cannot fully fathom. He willingly ventured into harms way to protect and defend our nation, and the values and ideals of freedom and liberty. His family has given its dearest sacrifice at the altar of liberty. His sacrifice will not be in vain. At the time of his death Iraqis were in the midst of elections where the people freely chose freedom and democracy over terror and evil.

It has been said the when you are in the service of your fellow man, that you are in the service of your God. God our Father knows the heartaches of suffering for he himself freely allowed his Son to lay down his life in our behalf. In the same manner Keith has given his life that others may partake of freedom and liberty. It is my prayer that the comforting spirit of our Heavenly Father will abide with Keith’s family as they come to terms with their grief."
CAPT Greg Johnson, SC, USN of Tooele, Utah

"As former neighbors and fellow Navy veterans,Keith and I often spoke of our times of service, remembering the griefs, joys, seriousness, and humor that are all part of military service and life , in general. I feel honored and privileged to count Keith among my most special and dear friends. I will always rember his matter of fact references to his upcoming deployment to Iraq, his courage, his love of his family and our country. We all owe Keith a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid."
Mike Rudolph of Coto de Caza, CA

"Lt Commander Keith Taylor, USN

In Memory of a Friend:

Keith, i.e. LT Commander Taylor , USN will always be remembered in our hearts and the lives that he touched while deployed here in Baghdad, Iraq . He was a quiet, but very intelligent and Christian hearted man, many times thinking of others before himself. I came to know Keith in Oct. 04 in the IZ- Green Zone , while working in the PCO Contracting Office, now Joint Contracting Command of Iraq .

Keith was new to the PCO- Transportation Sector even though I had been assigned to the PCO- Building Health and Education Sector a few months prior to his arrival to Baghdad . Keith sometimes had questions regarding contracts and he would ask me and we developed a friendship out of our work environment. For some unknown reason , Keith gave me the nickname “Chucky” . Keith talked about living in Irvine, Ca and that he had met the love of his life, Diane. He shared the joy of his new daughter , little Katherine , whom had just begun to walk during “XMAS 04”, just a few weeks , prior to Keith’s death . Keith showed his admiration and love for of his family by neatly placing pictures of his wife and family on his desk . Keith and his wife Diane, shared also 2 teen age daughters by his previous wife . They had lived for a couple of years in Irvine , Ca as I too had lived for 23 years in the Southern California area as a former US Air Force Officer and resident of Southern California . We soon shared stories of events, places to visit , jobs etc ,in Southern Ca. Lt Commander Taylor was soon to join also the National Contracts Management Association , upon his return to the US . Many times, Keith’ s wife Diane would call to Keith’s Office and on occasions I spoke to her and developed a friendship with her as well. Diane was many times concerned with Keith’s safety in Iraq.

Soon after Keith’s arrival to Baghdad , Lt. Commander Taylor , a former Medic soon realized that the injured troops at the Cash Hospital were in need of robes, clothing , slippers etc and he had his wife Diane send numerous boxes of new and expensive clothing and supplies to Baghdad ,in order that the supplies could be delivered to the injured soldiers. I will never forget that after each time new boxes and supplies would arrive from his wife and church members, Lt Commander Taylor would always ask me…. Chucky, do you see any thing that you want from the boxes? On a weekly or bi weekly basis these boxes would be delivered by Commander Taylor and others , Ie , Col Leisenring, Tom Wallenfang , James Mc Coll , Sam Isom and other PCO members to the hospital. CMDR Taylor would also take up or collect pizza donations for the young injured soldiers at the hospital. On Sundays at 6:00 PM, he would be instrumental in delivering pizza and clothing to our injured soldiers. What a joy and excitement on the faces of the injured troops in the hospital, because someone cared . That someone was Lt Commander Taylor. Even today as I write this memory of Keith, I believe that he is helping and giving unselfishly to the angels in Heaven.

As stated earlier, Keith was a Christian man, no matter where he went. Many times I would forget to go to the Chapel services, held in the IZ Green Zone Chapel and Keith would remind me to meet him as well as others, ie Naomi Olin, John Miller, James MacColl, Wanda Cross and others on the steps of the PCO Office on Sunday AM for the early morning services . We would all start our short walk to the Chapel Services. Often times our group would meet at dinner, the gym, etc on the Baghdad Compound. This was our PCO – Baghdad Family .

In Jan 05, I was busily coordinating and arranging my trip back to the US for a brief Rand R. Keith, too was also excited because he had received his military orders for his return to the US, which signified the end of his tour in Baghdad. He was very excited about returning to the US to his beloved wife , Diane and Family and they had decided to try for a new baby, ie Hopefully a little Keith Jr. Since Keith and I shared work areas ie desk(s) next to each other , I would often time kid or joke with him informing him that “He was getting a bit old for new babies etc ; but He would often laugh and we would joke about it. He would reply and say to me …..”You know Chucky, but I will sure have a good time practicing for my new baby” , and then he would get up to do his dance shuffle. I would often time kid him that he could not dance, but he did it anyway and then he would say that “he was trying to get some soul and rhythm , like me” . He was and still is a great person and I will always remember him that way .

On or about 25 Jan 05, excitement was in the air. I had received a Commanders coin from Gen Seay and later that evening, Keith , Barbara Heald and I was discussing my trip home and Keith’s pending return back to the US . Barbara had only recently returned to Baghdad , ie less than 2 weeks prior . After I said good by to everyone , LTC Taylor and Mr. Tom Wallenfang assisted me with my luggage to the Rhino bus at approximately 10:00 PM. We joked and talked about events in the states and what our plans were, after we returned to the respective jobs and lives in the US . As I boarded the Rhino we all said good bye and that we would stay in touch with each other , after our tours ended in Baghdad. Little did I know that this would be the last time that I would see my friend and fellow Officer, Lt. Commander Taylor , alive for the very last time .

Shortly after I arrived in the US , I was notified by the PCO Office of my friend’s death. I was also informed that if I had not been on R and R during that period, I too would have been killed on that fateful night in Baghdad.

Although I am grateful to God that my life and others were spared , but there's an empty spot in our hearts for CMDR Taylor as well as Barbara Heald, my PCO family members .

As I write this memory of Keith today, 28 Jan 06, there is an underlying message to us all who remains . Life is precious and should be treated that way , because we do not know the day or hour that we too must leave this earth . Just as Keith and Barbara has gone thru that door, of which we must all enter someday, I am reminded of Commander Taylor thru the words of the song : If I Can Help Somebody ..... Then My Life Will Not BE IN VAIN.


V/ R

John C. Williams
Director JCCI South
Regional Contracting Office
Basrah, Iraq


A TRIBUTE TO Lt. CMDR TAYLOR

If I CAN HELP SOMEBODY AS I PASS ALONG

IF I CAN CHEER SOMEBODY WITH A WORD OR A SONG


IF I CAN SHOW SOMEBODY THAT HE IS TRAVELLING WRONG

……. THEN….. MY LIVING SHALL NOT BE IN VAIN."
John C. Williams of Atlanta -Ga - Presently Working in Iraq

"Keith,
You sat next to me at church the Sunday before they took your life away. I miss your smile but it comforts me knowing that you are smiling from above with our Heavenly Father."
Naomi Olin of Baghdad, Iraq

"Keith,

You are always on my mind and in my thoughts. I especially grieve for the loved ones you left behind. Your dedication and attitude to service for Iraqi Freedom has been an inspiration for me to remain in Iraq. I know you would not have wanted us to abandon the mission and go home. January 25, 2005 and the loss of two special co-workers will be seared in my memory forever."
Shelby Harvey of Baghdad, Iraq

"This is truly a difficult note. Keith was my son-in-law for many years and blessed me with 2 wonderful granddaughters. Although both Keith and Leslie had remarried our connection stayed strong. It is with such a heavy heart I will take down the flag I have been flying , night and day, for the last year in his honor. Keith, you left a beautifil legacy that I will always be indebted too. Love you,"Mom""
Diane Grossman of Irvine, Ca USA

"To the Family and Friends of LCDR Keith Taylor. I never knew Keith personnaly but I am priviledged to now serve in his unit, the Joint Contracting Command - Iraq / Afghanistan. The efforts of Keith and his fellow Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Civilians in support of the people of Iraq have been phoenomenal and I am proud to serve with them. This week we will conduct a one year memorial to his sacrifice and I will be proud to honor his memory and the contribution he made to the People of Iraq and to the United States of America."
COL Ted Harrison of the Joint Contracting Command - Iraq / Afghanistan

"In remembering Keith nearly a year after his death, I found this website and am touched by the messages from those who knew him and those who did not but felt compelled to say something. Keith was the father of my neices, Audrey and Emily, and a man that I was close to for many years. It's still hard to believe that he's no longer with us... but like others have said, there is some comfort in knowing that he died doing what he believed in and had a passion for.

I hope that anyone reading this will take a moment to remember Keith and say a prayer for those who love and grieve him."
Lisa of Hickory, NC

"Keith,
I am numb. I'm over here, hoping to meet up with you again, and I found a memorial on-line, announcing your death. Your last email to me spoke of your fear of the mortars. I just cannot believe you are gone. My heart goes out to your wife and children. I will make it my mission to contact them and tell them of all the good times we had in Haiti. I remember you saying then, the humanitarian mission we did was the most gratifying of your career. The only comfort I have, Keith, is that you died doing what you love the most...for other, less fortunate people. I will miss you, amiego. The three amiegos will never be the same. You will always be a part of me, brother. I love you as I do my own brothers."
SMSgt Brian J. Hill of ECJ4-MD-JMC, Hq EUCOM

"This is such a shock! Keith was one of my dearest most treasured friends in high school and afterwards. The friendship started in high school biology class. Then when my father died, I learned that our fathers had worked together - and that brought Keith and I closer. He and I were in Latin class together and made a lot of memories in Latin Club. Keith and I spent a lot of time just talking about life and growing up. He was so sweet and thoughtful and caring. And he always knew just the right thing to say when I was down. I loved him much more than he knew.

Keith's family was so good to us when my father died (in '72). I will always remember looking up to George and Edith as role models. And I remember going bike riding with Keith's brother, Chris. And what a beautiful young lady Beth was growing up to be. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family. They have lost a true treasure.

I had hoped to find Keith again and reconnect to share old memories and renew our friendship. He was the #1 person I would have wanted to see at any Sandalwood reunion. I am proud to have known him and miss him now more than ever. I hope he knows how much impact he had on my life and how fondly I will always think of him."
Heather (Orr) Gollnick of Jacksonville, FL USA

"My company is a private contractor to the US Government in Iraq and Commander Taylor was my point of contact for one of the contracts we hold in Iraq.

I was stunned and consternated as I read the news in disbelief when I had asked a fellow PCO staff member where Commander Keith was.

The reality of the deadly atmosphere in Iraq has become brutally clear.

Even though I had never met or had spoken with Commander Keith, in my correspondence with him, I felt that he was truly dedicated to his country, his mission in Iraq and an outstanding individual.

I offer my deepest condolences to his family and fellow staff members within the PCO.

Respectfully,
Frederick M. Simon
Railway Logisitics International"
F Simon of Spokane, WA

"To the family and friends of Lt. Cmdr. Keith E. Taylor,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"RIP SIR"
US Navy Sailor

"There is no way for us to express the deep sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Keith Taylor. I lost my son on January 26, 2005 in Iraq. Those that have laid down their lives are the true heroes. May God bless you and comfort you during this time."
Helen Gilbert of Dayton, Ohio

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Keith , will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Keith Taylor, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Lt. Cmdr. Keith Taylor:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Keith for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Lt. Cmdr. Keith Taylor:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Keith, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia