Major Brent Taylor, a 39 year-old National Guardsman from Ogden, Utah, was killed in an apparent insider attack in Afghanistan on Saturday. This morning, his wife Jennie along with their two oldest sons and Taylor’s parents were at Dover to welcome him home for the final time. Their story is one of American strength and courage amidst great pain.

The dignified transfer of Maj. Brent Taylor’s remains this morning, Nov. 6, 2018, at Dover Airfield Base. pic.twitter.com/wbT3HMMYw4

— Utah National Guard (@UTNationalGuard) November 6, 2018

One of the Afghan pilots that Taylor mentored wrote this beautiful letter to the Taylor family.

Dear Mrs. Taylor,
Maj Taylor was my friend. I wrote this letter for his family.
I hope this little contribution eases your pain.

Note: this letter was sent to his physical add by one my American mentors. I tried to email too but I failed to find her email. pic.twitter.com/28nH7o4W6D

— Abdul Rahman Rahmani (@rahmanrahmanee) November 5, 2018

Are you crying? I am. What an amazing tribute.

“He died on our soil but he died for the success of freedom and democracy in both our countries,” Rahmani wrote. “I want you all to know that Afghans feel extreme sorry and pain over the loss of your husband and father … please don’t think that the violent act that took his life is representative to us or our sentiments toward Americans.”

Rahmani also noted that Taylor had taught him to treat his children as precious gifts and to view his wife Hamida as an equal. Those lessons will reverberate for generations to come.

Read this letter. This is why we fight. To protect ourselves and to give the Afghans who dearly want peace and a better world the chance to achieve it. I have served with many Abdul Rahman Rahmanis, but this pilot puts their feelings and sentiments in beautiful words. Thanks sir https://t.co/mT7Z4RL4e5

— Patrick Donahoe (@PatDonahoeArmy) November 5, 2018

Major Taylor wrote this on Facebook just days before he was killed.

Freedom: Millions Defy Taliban and Vote in Afghan Elections

“The secret to happiness is freedom… And the secret to freedom is courage.” – Thucydides
“In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

It was beautiful to see over 4 million Afghan men and women brave threats and deadly attacks to vote in Afghanistan’s first parliamentary elections in eight years. The strong turnout, 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 US soldiers I serve with. Many American, NATO allies, and Afghan troops have died to make moments like this possible; for example, my dear friend Lieutenant Kefayatullah who was killed fighting the Taliban the day before voting began. 🇦🇫

As the USA gets ready to vote in our own election next week, I hope everyone back home exercises their precious right to vote. And that whether the Republicans or the Democrats win, that we all remember that we have far more as Americans that unites us than divides us. “United we stand, divided we fall.” God Bless America. 🇺🇲

It is worth noting that Major Taylor actually had a choice about deploying this fourth time or not. But he insisted on going anyway. He had his wife and family’s support and truly believed he could make a difference.

Photo Credit: courtesy of the North Ogden Discussion Facebook page

This morning at Dover, Jennie Taylor showed unimaginable grace and strength as she spoke to the media.

“Whether the Republicans or Democrats win, I hope that we all remember we have far more as Americans that unite us than devide us” Jennie Taylor, spouse of Maj. Brent Taylor, makes statement to the media following the return of her husband’s remains to Dover Airfield Base today. pic.twitter.com/52g1ge8N34

— Utah National Guard (@UTNationalGuard) November 6, 2018

This from her statement is an important read, especially today.

It seems only fitting that Brent, who in death now represents something so much greater than any of our own individual lives, has come home to U.S. soil in a flag-draped casket on our Election Day.

It is a timeless and cherished honor to serve in our country’s armed services. That honor has been Brent’s as he served in the Utah National Guard for the past 15 years, and it has been mine for just as long as I have proudly stood by his side. And it has been and will continue to be the great honor of our seven children for the rest of their lives, and I pray for many generations to come.

The price of freedom surely feels incredibly high to all those of us who know and love our individual soldier. But the value of freedom is immeasurable to all who know and love America, and all that she represents. [Emphasis Added]

Today as Americans exercise one of the greatest freedoms of all, our right to vote, let us remember and give thanks for American soldiers like Major Brent Taylor.

Our prayers are with Jennie Taylor, their 7 children and their family and friends.

Feature Photo Credit: courtesy of the North Ogden Discussion Facebook page