Sitting at home, Vietnam Veteran Taylor Thomas watched the Memorial Service in Monroe County. Taylor has been at home for years because of his health.
But that day was different for him and his beautiful wife. Unexpectedly, he received visitors after the Memorial Ceremony, including Vet to Vet Tennessee's President, Randall Scott, and VTVT's co-founder, Ed Junod, two of whom he has known for decades, as well as Pat Junod.
Taylor Thomas has been a member of Vet to Vet Tennessee since 2014, right after his son, Benjy Thomas, Monroe County General Sessions and Veterans Court Judge, was elected. Taylor was like many of the Vietnam Veterans who suffered from the invisible wounds and found no relief for over decades.
However, with the help of God, his family, church, and friends, Taylor’s faith, courage, and strength continued. Now, Taylor had his Vietnam comrades as his new veteran family.
Shortly after joining, Taylor accepted the role of Outreach Officer for VTVT and later became a Veterans Court mentor. We were honored and proud to have Taylor Thomas as part of the Vet to Vet Tennessee legacy.
Randy and Ed presented Taylor Thomas with two (2) of VTVT’s highest awards: the Joseph “JL” Tucker and the George P. Thomas Memorial Awards. This was the first time anyone has received two of our Memorial Awards at once! The only person to have received two of our Memorial Awards was his son, Benjy Thomas. Benjy received the Tucker Award in 2017 and the Thomas Award in 2018.
Taylor exemplifies the motto of each award: the Tucker motto, Virtus fides honor (Courage, faith, honor), and the Thomas motto, Pro Deo Pro Patria (For God and Country).
Taylor accepted the awards with tears and gratitude as all four of us cried. We are proud of your service and sacrifice. God bless.
