Navy Veteran Jim Taylor honored with Quilt of Valor

MANSON - Jim Taylor, a United States Navy veteran and esteemed member of the Manson American Legion, Post 108, was recently honored with a Quilt of Valor during a ceremony held at the Lake Chelan Winery, March 8, 2025. The quilt, a symbol of gratitude for his service, was presented by Doug Marsh, a fellow American Legion member, and Jean Horner, representing the Quilts of Valor Foundation, Chelan Group.

Doug Marsh, a retired United States Navy, 1st Class Aviation Structural Mechanic and proud member of both the Manson American Legion and Quilts of Valor Foundation, took on the role of master of ceremonies. "As a veteran and representative of Quilts of Valor Foundation, it was a privilege to honor Jim and acknowledge his sacrifices for our nation. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Steve and Bobbi Kludt for hosting this event. Steve, a fellow veteran, has been a steadfast supporter of our local veterans," Doug remarked.

Doug was accompanied by Jean Horner from the Quilts of Valor Foundation's Chelan Group, who shared her deeply personal connection to the organization. Jean reflected, "My journey with Quilts of Valor began during my son's two deployments to Afghanistan, where he frequently faced perilous situations. During his second deployment, while serving with special forces, I crafted a quilt for him. Each stitch was saturated with prayers for his safety, and the act of quilting brought me a sense of peace. Today, it fills my heart with joy to create quilts for others affected by war, recognizing their sacrifices and expressing gratitude for all they have endured."

Jim spent his early years in Lynden, Washington, where he was born and raised. In 1957, his family relocated to Babb, Montana, and two years later moved to Ketchikan, Alaska. Jim graduated from Ketchikan High School and continued his education with classes at the University of Alaska.

In April 1966, Jim received his draft notice and was required to undergo a physical examination. Fortunately, a Navy recruiter happened to be at the same location. After some discussions and negotiations, Jim enlisted in the Navy, specifically requesting a Seabee rating. November 2, 1966, Jim attended Navy boot camp in San Diago for nine weeks, Jim has many stories to share!

After completing boot camp, Jim's first assignment was at Port Hueneme, California, where he joined the Seabees' Mobile Construction Battalion TEN (MCB-10). This battalion was initially established on October 15, 1943, at Camp Perry, Virginia, and relocated to Port Hueneme the following year to prepare for deployment to the Pacific.

In January 1967, MCB-10 was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for a month as they readied for their next mission in the Quang Tri Province, located in Vietnam's North Central Coast region. Jim's naval service included two tours in Vietnam. From September 1967 to May 1968, he worked in Quang Tri, constructing a complete airstrip. His second tour, from October 1968 to March 1969, took him to Camp Evans in central Vietnam. Camp Evans served as a launch point for units conducting patrols and operations into the mountainous foothills to the west, while there MCB-10 was tasked with road maintenance duties.

A highlight of Jim's military career occurred on September 18, 1969, when Admiral E.R. Zumwalt, Jr., Commander of the United States Naval Forces in Vietnam, awarded him the Navy Achievement Medal (with Combat “V”) in recognition of his Meritorious Service from September 1967 to March 1969.

Jim concluded his naval service in Adak, Alaska during the autumn of 1969. Shortly thereafter, on January 27, 1970, he was honorably discharged in Seattle, Washington.

After transitioning to civilian life, Jim settled in Ketchikan, taking a position with ISCO as a construction mechanic in a remote logging camp, where he worked for five years. In 1971, Jim married Carol, the love of his life. His career spanned an impressive 18 years at South Coast Construction and 21 years at Southeast Stevedoring. Upon retiring in 2014, Jim and Carol moved to Chelan, where he now enjoys hobbies, such as boating, golf, and snowshoeing.

The Manson American Legion, Post 108 holds its regular monthly meetings the first Monday of each month at the Manson Parks building at 7:00 pm. All veterans are encouraged to attend.

For more information regarding the Quilts of Valor Foundation, contact Sue Freden, Group Leader at lakechelanqov@gmail.com They meet the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 at the Chelan Fire Station.