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Soldier's Body Brought Home

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Posted: 12:42 PM Jun 30, 2008
Last Updated: 8:37 PM Jun 30, 2008
Reporter: Bill Wilson

55 comments

A | A | A

The body of a fallen solider turned home today to Beaufort County.

The family of Spc. Joel Taylor gathered this morning at the Pitt-Greenville Airport as the Army brought his body back home. Taylor's father and brother, both in uniform, saluted as the casket was placed in a hearse.

Taylor died last week, along with two other soldiers, when an IED blew up their truck in Mosul.

The 20-year-old's funeral will be at 3:00 p.m. Thursday at the First Church of Christ in Washington.

Friday's Story

There is new information today about the death of a Beaufort County soldier killed in Iraq.

The Defense Department says Spc. Joel Taylor died Wednesday after the vehicle he was in encountered an improvised explosive device.

The DOD says two other soldiers in the vehicle with Taylor were also killed. The attack happened Tuesday in Mosul.

The 20-year-old Taylor was a member of the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Hood, Texas. Family members tell WITN News that this was Taylor's first deployment to Iraq.

Original Story

A soldier from Beaufort County is one of the latest members of the armed forces to die in Iraq.

Army Specialist Joel Taylor died yesterday in Mosul. His family says they were notified this morning of the death, but the exact cause has not yet been released.

The 20-year-old Taylor was a 2006 graduate from Northside High School and his family tells WITN News that he was on his first deployment to Iraq.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Robbie & Rhonda Cox Location: Washington on Jul 2, 2008 at 08:57 PM
To Joel Taylors family. We are praying for you at this difficult time. We are so proud to know that your son was a proud servent of our great Military. Captain Taylor you are a great man, leader, father, and friend. May God continue to Bless You and your family.

Posted by: Heather Location: Pantego on Jul 2, 2008 at 08:39 PM
i dont really know what to say there are so many good things i can say about joel, i went to school with him. He was a really good friend to everyone. All i can say is we will all miss u very much joel. God bless the family, and please know you are in everybodys thoughts and prayers. we love u and will miss u!!!!!

Posted by: AJ Location: Washington on Jul 2, 2008 at 11:10 AM
God Bless you, to all the family...I cannot begin to imagine the loss you feel. Please know each of you are in our thoughts and prayers for the days ahead as well as the weeks to come.

Posted by: Terry Goodman Location: Duluth, Minnesota on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:31 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. Tom and Karen, I am sorry I could not be there to support you guys but God Bless you and the rest of the family.

Posted by: Tabitha Location: Washington on Jul 1, 2008 at 09:03 AM
I first want to thank the parents of this young man along with many others to raise a child that is willing to fight for the rights and privileges of others. I am terribly sorry that his life was cut short that others could live with freedoms others do not have. I know the family hurt is great but be proud of your son, brother, and friend. I am thankful to all our militarymen and women.

Posted by: CDH Location: Grifton on Jul 1, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Although I do not know your son or your family I would like you to know that you are all in my prayers. I do not take it lightly that your son gave the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for my freedom. May God give you all peace during this most difficult time.

Posted by: Lori Location: Washington on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Scotty and Teresa, My heart goes out to your family! Joel was a very special young man and I always enjoyed seeing him during cross country and soccer. I appreciate all the kindness that you've shown to me and my son, Daniel. Joel was very courageous and brave to go and fight for our country and I am SO PROUD of him!! I just want you to know that Joel will NEVER be forgotten! Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for your family now or in the future. We keep you, Teresa, Karen, and ALL of your family in our thoughts and prayers! I know that nothing anyone can say will ease your pain, but just know that Joel is a true HERO in my eyes and my only wish is that he (and your family) will know how much his sacrifice means to me and my family! I am luckly to have known such an unselfish, giving young man. My life is forever changed to have met him and I thank you that Joel gave his life...fighting for mine! GOD BLESS!!!

Posted by: Becky rogerson Location: Williamston on Jun 30, 2008 at 10:25 PM
May god bless you and comfort you. He has done a great thing -stand up and fight for his country. I know he will be missed greatly. We are thinking about you and praying for you.

Posted by: Dana Location: Holly Springs, NC on Jun 30, 2008 at 08:24 PM
We are praying for God to bring you all peace and comfort. Joel is truly a hero, we can't wait to see him in heaven and thank him for his courage and sacrifice for our country.

Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane, NC on Jun 30, 2008 at 06:55 PM
God bless.

Posted by: Mildred Location: Chocowinity NC on Jun 30, 2008 at 06:25 PM
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family in this time of loss and sadness. Your son apparently loved his Country with all his heart and it meant so much to us that he made a choice to go and fight for us all. It is because of he and our military men and women that we can live in peace and freedom in the USA. Thank You for raising such a couragious son. God Bless You all

Posted by: Wolfgang Location: Chocowinity on Jun 30, 2008 at 06:17 PM
I am a US ARMY VET myself. Our true American HEROES are the Servicemen and Servicewoman who bare the White Cross and Star Of David above there grave. I would like to refer to the Mrs. Bixby Letter. I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statment of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the Mother of five "5" sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from a grief overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the alter of freedom. Yours very sincerely and respectfully. Abraham Lincoln. Rest Army Spec. Joel Taylor you are now with a Band Of Brothers.

Posted by: WITN News on Jun 30, 2008 at 02:32 PM
The comment section on this story is reserved for remembering Specialist Taylor. If you have other comments, please post them on other stories here on witn.com.

Posted by: Emily Location: Pamlico Beach on Jun 29, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Joel was a caring loving guy, and this shouldn't have happened to him or anyone else. He was a great friend and he will truly be missed by many. We miss you Joel, and love you!

Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Jun 29, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Brandy, I don't think that people are purposefully doing that. They just don't know otherwise. There is another post which states Captain Taylor, Joel's mother, etc; so, a couple of people are acknowledging his mom. I send condolences to the whole family.

Posted by: Brandy Location: Pinetown on Jun 29, 2008 at 12:35 PM
I have seen 1 comment that mentions Joel's mom Karen. You know she needs support right now to not just Scottie and Theresa. Karen we willkepp you in our prayers and god bless you. We are very sorry.

Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jun 29, 2008 at 12:24 PM
There are no words I can said to make this family feel heal any faster, if it were i certainly would use them in a time like this. I'm so sorry.

Edited. Comment as written was fine but we'd like to keep politics out of this "memorial" post. Thanks.

Posted by: Narciso T. Ibanez Location: Washngton on Jun 28, 2008 at 09:01 PM
I put your son up the pedestal for his heroism. Though he is no longer with us, he will be remembered for always and forever. I am a retired First Sergeant in the US Army with 22 years in; been in war five times and was wounded in Iraq by enemy fire. I saw many soldiers died during deployment and some died while I was holding them in my arms. And even though those soldiers are dead, they will still guard and protect our freedom. "Army Strong."

Posted by: Kathy Location: Washington on Jun 28, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Hey little buddie! I loved you from the day I met you and will never forget you. Rest in peace now Joel and know that you will be in my heart always. Scottie, Teresa, Amber, John Scott, Melanie and Karen my heart goes out to all of you and you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I love you all. rest

Posted by: Jonathan Newman Location: washington on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Joel was a fine and respectful young man with a heart as big as a house! He loved his country and all his family! He loved to pick and play like grandaddy Donald, and uncle Keith.I was proud to have joel as a step brother for about 13 years! He will be missed terrible!!!!!

Posted by: suecrew Location: plymouth,n.c. on Jun 27, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Our son went to school and was a fellow JROTC member with Joel and there is a deep feeling of loss in our family now and forever. Scotty and Teresa,we love you.

Posted by: Johnny Location: Washington on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:06 AM
My heart dropped the day I was told about Joel's death. I have worked for his dad, Capt Taylor, and met all his family. I remember the day he told me about Joel enlisting and how proud he was of him. They were nice and caring to me at all times. Capt I know this is a great loss to you and I will do anything I can for you and your family as you have done for me over the years. As close as the family is that we have at WFD, Joel was one of our family too. He will be greatly missed and he gave the ultimate sacrfice for his country. For that his family can always be proud. Nothing will make up for the loss but there is comfort in knowing that. May God bless and keep you all. I will never forget the sacrifice that all our troops make for this country.

Posted by: Chris Location: Jville on Jun 27, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Every step I take, every move I make, every single day, every time I pray, I'll be missing you..thinking of the day when you went away, what a life to take, what a bond to break, I'll be missing you..RIP Joel, you're my hero.

Posted by: Ana Location: Location on Jun 26, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Joel was a great guy. I was very good friends with him while he was at NHS and I will never forget him. My prayers are with the family and all his loved ones.

Posted by: Goose Location: Pigott on Jun 26, 2008 at 09:39 PM
I was good friends with Joel...we hung out when he was home and it was good to see him...I always saw Joel on the 4th and this year is going to be tough...Joel died for his country...died doing something he loved...we should all remember that..my heart goes out to his mom and dad and to all of our other buddies who are sad to hear him go...I will always remember him laughing at Sarg. during our runs on the Cross Country team...and remember the good times we had in Belhaven...Joel God's speed my friend...and God Bless...you will be missed by all

Posted by: Gary on Jun 26, 2008 at 08:49 PM
God is with you and I appreciate his sacrifice.

Posted by: A Future Marines Mother Location: Sidney on Jun 26, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Your child gave the ultimate gift. He is the reason we are all able to go about freely in this country. He should always be remember as a person of great character and someone who gave everything they had. He touched people without them even knowing it. Be proud of what he stood for. Everyone in this area is extremely sorry for your loss and pray for God to give you comfort. Always remember he is now in God's loving arms.

Posted by: Loyd Location: USVI on Jun 26, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Scotty and Teresa. May the Lord keep you in comfort and true peace. My door is open to you anytime. God bless, miss you guys.

Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane,NC on Jun 26, 2008 at 05:38 PM
God bless!!

Posted by: Bryan Location: Washington on Jun 26, 2008 at 05:08 PM
My heart goes out to Capt. Taylor,Joel's Mother and family.His sacrifice will NOT be forgotten.May God bless and comfort the Taylor family during this time of loss.

Posted by: Nancy Beacham Hill Location: Washington NC on Jun 26, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Dear Scottie and Teresa and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God bless you during this time.

Posted by: Rosebud Location: Lagrange on Jun 26, 2008 at 04:55 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.

Posted by: Cindy Location: washington nc on Jun 26, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Captain Taylor and family,I pray that God gives you comfort that surpasses all understanding,Know that your precious child is a Hero to all who call themselfs an American

Posted by: Deirdre Location: Washington on Jun 26, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Gob bless you Teresa and Scotty! I Haven't seen you in years Teresa--but I know you were good to this dear young man who chose to sacrifice for our country--I also know that some of your raising has helped make him the man that all of these people have spoken so highly of. God bless you all and I love you!

Posted by: Anna Location: Chicago, IL on Jun 26, 2008 at 02:19 PM
My heart goes out to his family. His older brother was one of my best friends at NHS. We were both in JROTC, and John Scott's been overseas a couple of times, now. This kind of thing is always hard, and it hurts to know that the best I can do is offer my love and support to the family. Blessings.

Posted by: Becca Location: ECU on Jun 26, 2008 at 02:09 PM
I went to grade school with Joel. He was a great guy and I am honored to have known him. He did his job in our behalf. God bless him.

Posted by: Aquchia Nixon Location: Greenville on Jun 26, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Joel, you will be missed, I graduated with Joel from Northside....He was a very nice and outgoing person.Will miss u.Family keep ur head up..He passed fighting for his country.

Posted by: "Angel" Location: Washington on Jun 26, 2008 at 01:27 PM
My heart goes out to the Taylor family at this time of great loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and keep you in this most difficult time and remember that everyone is a little better for having known and loved Joel and he will never be forgotten.

Posted by: Not so wild child Location: Rural Hyde Co NC on Jun 26, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Please know there are alot of people who are praying for you his family members that are left behind. Thank you! Us Americans can't and don't say thank you enough to our soldiers. Freedom sure is not free, your loved one paid the ultimate price and at a much to young an age. I had 2 brothers in Vietnam and one in Korea at the same time. I pray that God will lift you all up and hold you each just alittle tighter in His strong loving arms. God Bless You All.

Posted by: Hannah Bohrer Oliver Location: Raleigh on Jun 26, 2008 at 01:14 PM
I have known Joel Taylor and his family for such a long time that they feel like a part of my family. We have attended Harvest Church together for as long as I can remember. Joel was such a genuinely sweet, caring guy who loved God, life, and country. I can’t say enough good things about him. I am very sad but we all should rejoice because he is with the Lord right now. I love you Taylor family, my heart is with you. EPH 3:14-21

Posted by: Cindy Location: Tarboro, NC on Jun 26, 2008 at 12:31 PM
One day, when your heart will let you read all the wonderful things said about your son again and again, please know that you will still be in my heart and in my prayers. Thank you for raising such a wonderful son that he felt the need to serve our country. My prayer is that God will comfort you in a way that you never knew was possible. Rest In Peace, Joel. You will always be remembered.

Posted by: TAF Location: pinetown on Jun 26, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Prayers are with you scotty and your family. Joel was a super guy that loved life, and I will always remember him. YOU RAISED A GREAT SON!!!!

Posted by: PK Location: Winterville on Jun 26, 2008 at 11:41 AM
All give some, some give all. This patriot gave all. Thank you as we celebrate his name on July 4.

Posted by: NJP-JMP Location: NC/TX on Jun 26, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I graduated with Joel, We were in ROTC together he was smart, outgoing and all around guy, He will be missed and we will keep his family in our prayers, Another US Hero we all loved!

Posted by: Lauren Location: Greenville on Jun 26, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I graduated with Joel, he was a good guy, he will truly be missed.

Posted by: Eileen Location: Washingron on Jun 26, 2008 at 09:44 AM
May our Heavenly Father provide comfort and support to this brave soldiers family and friends. I am a widow of an OIF hero, and feel your pain.

Posted by: David Location: Washington on Jun 26, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and keep you close during this difficult time.

Posted by: "BAT" Location: Washington on Jun 26, 2008 at 09:18 AM
May god comfort you and your family in this time of loss, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Posted by: Hello Location: NC on Jun 26, 2008 at 08:38 AM
I am terribly sorry for your loss. Please know that many prayers are being said for you and many hearts go out to you during this terrible time in your lives. He will always be remembered.

Posted by: Linda C Location: Pungo on Jun 26, 2008 at 08:36 AM
It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of Specialist Joel Taylor. I am so sorry for your loss. Joel will always be remembered as an American Hero and his sacrifice and yours will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Posted by: Kenny Location: Windsor on Jun 26, 2008 at 05:37 AM
This is just a reminder that Freedom is not free and I think Joel and other for there selfless sacrifice to serve this Great Country so that my newborn son can grow up in a Free and safe country. Joel you will be missed but NEVER forgotten.

Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Jun 26, 2008 at 12:08 AM
RIP Joel.

Posted by: Tracey Everett Location: Pinetown on Jun 26, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Our prayers & thoughts are with you all. May God wrap his arms around each & everyone in your family.

Posted by: Melinda Location: bath on Jun 25, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joel was a very fine young man

Posted by: Kelly Location: AZ on Jun 25, 2008 at 11:17 PM
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I am also a Northside graduate and am a fellow soldier in the army. My heart goes out to you, and you will be in my prayers.

Posted by: Rob Location: Greenville on Jun 25, 2008 at 10:55 PM
My condolensces to the Taylor family. This young man made the ultimate sacrifice for his country to allow all of us in the world that live in a democracy to continue that privilege. Honor him and all of his comrades this July 4th. I know I will, in addition to each and every Memorial Day.

Posted by: Janice Location: MartinCounty on Jun 25, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you, May God bless you all.

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