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Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan Taylor
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The family of Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan Taylor told First Coast News they are devastated by what happened.
"He died doing what he loved, which was serving our country. He had such a love for his family and this country."
They family says they found out when two U.S. Marines showed up at their door Tuesday. Taylor's mother was home alone, and called for family immediately. When the family arrived, the U.S. Marines broke the news.
Taylor died in Afghanistan Tuesday morning, according to neighbors.
The 22-year-old graduated from Wolfson High School in 2005. He had been in Afghanistan for only two months with the 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines out of Camp Lejuene.
Wolfson ROTC instructor Sgt. Myron Jackson described Taylor, who elected to be a part of the program at Wolfson, as dedicated.
"Sort of the ideal student," said Jackson.
He was a football player in school and very popular, said English teacher Ninon Rhome, who said he was in an Advanced Placement English class.
"He was a bit of a clown. He liked to tell jokes," said Rhome.
She said Taylor was a very smart, hard working, good student and was willing to help classmates if they had a difficult time in class. He also was a bit of a class clown and returned to the school to speak to students recently.
Taylor has a stepsister and a sister who both attend Wolfson.
In a speech Tuesday evening, President Obama detailed his plan for the war in Afghanistan, including sending an additional 30,000 American troops to the Afghan war and withdrawing troops by the summer of 2011.
Do you know Lance Cpl. Jonathan Taylor? If so, please leave your thoughts and wishes below.
 Created: 12/2/2009 11:33:34 AM Updated: 12/3/2009 10:13:28 PM Suggest News Tips & Story Leads Submit Video & Pictures |
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Ann Butler
Dave Wax
