On February 22, Army Sergent Major (SGM) (Ret.) Billy Taylor was presented with the SGM Billy Taylor Logistics Excellence Award at the Cattlemen’s Event Center during the Logistics and Maintenance Ceremony. He then presented the award to three more recipients.
There were 104 attendees consisting of Taylor’s peers and coworkers. This new award is comparable to a Hall of Fame award. To receive this award, potential recipients must have a minimum of 20 years of service in logistics with the army and demonstrate remarkable selfless service, according to Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jeffery Stice.
“When we presented this idea, his name, it was a moment I’ll never forget, it was unanimous,” said Stice. “He touched us in one way or another throughout our career.”
Taylor was drafted into the army in 1970 and served as a combat medic and medical operator. He served for 28 years in active duty then returned to the U.S. as military police. In total, he has served for 44 years. Before that though, Taylor was serving in a different way at Oklahoma City, Mayridge.
Taylor’s last day in uniform.
In 1966, Taylor began serving as a Sunday School teacher at Mayridge, and continues to do so. He also served as the youth director for 12 years. Even though the 70s were a difficult time for military members, Mayridge was always supportive of Taylor.
“The church has been very supportive all my life,” he said. “The comradery is strong in the military. That same comradery is in the church when we are doing the work of God.”
Taylor knew that the award was going to be presented to him as he was informed about it four years ago when a board of 44 began authorizing the award.
Taylor was very grateful for the award and those who have been by his side.
“It’s one of those things where you don’t know how to say it,” Taylor said. “It was those people who are out there supporting you that got you there.”
Now retired, Taylor continus to serve as the Chariman of Deacons at OKC, Mayridge.
