John E. Taylor Family Endowed ROTC Scholarship
John E. Taylor was an ROTC cadet at Oregon State University. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in political science and a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Taylor served during the Desert Storm operation in Iraq in 1990-91. In 1995, he obtained a master’s degree in logistics management from Florida Institute of Technology and in 2005 he earned a master of military arts and science degree in history from the Command and General Staff College. In March 2003, he served with the 4th Infantry Division in Kuwait and Iraq.
His last assignment was with the Department of Defense Inspector General. Between February 2007 and April 2009, he made five inspection trips to Qatar, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He retired in 2009 after 25 years of commissioned service plus three and a half years of reserve and guard duty.
LTC Taylor’s decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab.
After making regular donations for many years to build the principal, in 2008 John and his wife LTC Mary Beth Taylor established the John E. Taylor Family Endowed ROTC Scholarship with the Benton County Foundation. John and Mary Beth are committed to helping ROTC cadets finance their education through this annual scholarship award.