Taylor Force remembered

Special to WorldTribune.com

Taylor Force, the American military veteran murdered by a Palestinian terrorist in Israel on March 8, was remembered as a “good, good man” who left a legacy of service.

A native of Lubbock, Texas, Force was a graduate of West Point, a U.S. Army Field Artillery officer who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and was an Eagle Scout.

Taylor Force in a 2009 photo provided by the United States Military Academy
Taylor Force in a 2009 photo provided by the United States Military Academy.

In a Facebook eulogy, good friend Barrett Caldwell said he was heartbroken at the loss of a unique and heroic man.

“My boy graduated West Point in 2009 and deployed to the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he served and led as a Field Artillery officer among his men in battle. His decisions, actions and leadership were heroic, and yet he stayed so humble when we talked privately.

“I know it’s often said when we lose someone, but man, Taylor was the epitome of a gentleman, a fellow military officer, and a friend. I can hear his voice and laugh now as we talked about life and memories together.

“Dude was such a good, good man, exemplified service, character, intentionality in fellowship, and was an absolute joy to be around time after time. Love the guy.”

Vanderbilt University chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos said: “It is with extreme sadness that I write to inform you that Taylor Force, a student at our Owen Graduate School of Management, was fatally wounded March 8 in a stabbing attack while on an Owen school trip to Tel Aviv, Israel.

“Taylor embarked on this trip to expand his understanding of global entrepreneurship and also to share his insights and knowledge with start-ups in Israel.

“He exemplified the spirit of discovery, learning and service that is the hallmark of our wonderful Owen community. This horrific act of violence has robbed our Vanderbilt family of a young hopeful life and all of the bright promise that he held for bettering our greater world.”

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