[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING STAFF SERGEANT JESSE TAYLOR OF ANDERSON, SOUTH CAROLINA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SHERI BIGGS

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2025

  Mrs. BIGGS of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable American, a decorated combat veteran, and a steadfast 
advocate for our Nation's heroes--Staff Sergeant Jesse Taylor of 
Anderson, South Carolina.
  Mr. Jesse Taylor was born in Waycross, Georgia, where he grew up 
enjoying the outdoors and playing sports. After graduating high school 
in 1963, he enlisted in the United States Army. He completed his Basic 
and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, earned his 
Airborne wings at Fort Benning, and joined the 82nd Airborne Division 
at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
  He later completed jungle warfare training in Panama before deploying 
to Vietnam in 1967. Serving with Cutthroat Company, 1st Battalion, 
327th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, Staff Sergeant 
Taylor fought in some of the most difficult terrain and combat 
conditions of the war, including operations in Phan Rang and the 
Central Highlands.
  For his extraordinary bravery in combat, Mr. Jesse Taylor was awarded 
the Silver Star--the third-highest military decoration for valor--
presented to him by then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey. It is a 
recognition few receive, and one that speaks volumes about his courage 
and sacrifice.
  When Staff Sergeant Jesse Taylor returned home, like so many Vietnam 
veterans, he carried the weight of war with him. But instead of turning 
away from that burden, he chose to turn toward others. He founded Vets 
Helping Vets Anderson, a grassroots group that brings veterans together 
every Wednesday morning. What began as a small circle of 14 has grown 
into a community made up of hundreds of men and women from every branch 
of service, bound together by shared experience and mutual support.
  Through this effort, Mr. Jesse Taylor has helped build a place of 
healing and strength for veterans across Upstate South Carolina. His 
steady leadership, honesty, and compassion have made a profound 
difference in the lives of those who served--and I want to say 
personally, it's made a difference in mine as well.
  Hearing the stories shared in that room and seeing the way Mr. Jesse 
Taylor uplifts others simply by showing up with open arms and a 
listening ear, has deepened my own understanding of what service truly 
means. It's not just about what we do in uniform--it's how we carry 
that spirit forward into our communities, day after day.
  Mr. Speaker, Staff Sergeant Jesse Taylor embodies the highest ideals 
of service not only in battle, but in how he continues to serve others 
with dignity, humility, and heart. I am honored to represent him in 
Congress, proud to recognize his life and legacy in the official record 
of this chamber, and even prouder to call Mr. Jesse a close friend.
  May God bless Jesse Taylor, and may God continue to bless the United 
States of America.

                          ____________________