Washington • A day after the House passed companion legislation, Sens. Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee on Thursday introduced legislation to name a new Veteran’s Affairs outpost in North Ogden after fallen Maj. Brent Taylor.
The Utah Republicans say it would be appropriate to honor Taylor, who was killed in Afghanistan earlier this month by a rogue Afghan soldier.
“Major Brent Taylor’s life may be best defined by the word ‘service,’” Lee said in a statement. “When he said, ‘service is what leadership is all about,’ he knew that from personal experience, and he exemplified that motto in all aspects of his life. Bestowing his name on an outpost that aids his fellow servicemen and women in the town that he loved and served is a poignant way to honor his legacy of service, leadership, and Christ-like love.”
The House passed legislation on Wednesday by Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, to name the V.A. outpost after Taylor, a lightning-fast move since Bishop had introduced the legislation earlier that day. The bill was co-sponsored by Bishop’s fellow Utahns, Chris Stewart, John Curtis and Mia Love.
Taylor had taken leave as the mayor of North Ogden to serve a one-year tour for the Army training Afghan soldiers.
Hatch called Taylor a “hero, a patriot, a loving father, and a dear friend.”
“News of his death in Afghanistan was devastating to all Utahns,” Hatch said. “Renaming this facility after Brent is a fitting tribute to his leadership, courage, and integrity. I hope it will also show Jennie and the Taylor family how much we honor their sacrifice.”
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