The Army Reserve Honors Hispanic Heritage Month with Inspiring Stories of Hispanic Soldiers
The U.S. Army Reserve joins the nation in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the Army, society and culture.
Just as in generations past, Hispanic Soldiers can be especially proud of their achievements and embodiment of core Army Values.
The Army Reserve story cannot be told without reflecting on the remarkable impact made by Hispanic Soldiers. Hispanic Americans have a proud legacy of military service dating back to the Civil War. Whether their heritage can be traced to Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, or one of dozens of other Spanish-speaking countries or cultures, they’ve answered the “call to duty,” defending America with unwavering valor and honor.
Today, more than 17% of America’s Soldiers are of Hispanic or Latino descent, making this the fastest growing segment of the Army.
The theme for the 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation” underscores the Army’s celebration of diversity and commitment to building high performing and cohesive teams. Thousands of Hispanic American Soldiers fulfill vital roles supporting Army Reserve operations around the world, continuing a legacy of professionalism, selfless service and courage that will inspire generations to come.
Battalion Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Anthony Taylor joined me to discusses notable achievements of Hispanic Americans in the Army Reserve. He will also talk about his Peruvian heritage, his family’s proud history of service and his dedication to helping Soldiers reach their potential.
Learn more about how the Army Reserve is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, read inspiring Soldier stories and more at www.usar.army.mil.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
CSM Anthony L. Taylor was born in Long Branch, New Jersey and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1994. He completed Chemical Operations (54B) OSUT at Fort McClellan, Alabama in March 1995. CSM Taylor serves as the Command Sergeant Major for the 318th Theater Public Affairs Support Element, Arlington Heights, IL as of 1 NOV 20.
His military assignments include the 326th Chemical Company, Huntsville, Alabama; 941st Transportation Company, Charleston, South Carolina; 342nd Chemical Company (Smoke and Decon), Chicago, Illinois; 375th Chemical Company (Biological Integration and Detection Systems); mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Fort Polk, Louisiana; 342nd Chemical Company, (Smoke and Decon), Chicago, Illinois; Headquarters, 85th Training Division, Arlington Heights, Illinois; Regional Support Group-West, Arlington Heights, Illinois; 85th Support Command, Arlington Heights, Illinois; Third Army/U.S. Army Central Command, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command, Arlington Heights, Illinois; First U.S. Army Support Command, Rock Island, Illinois; 318th Press Camp Headquarters, Forest Park, Illinois; and 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Additional active duty overseas exercise support includes Operation Foal Eagle, Headquarters, 23rd CML BN, Tageu, Korea; and Silent Warrior 15, Special Operations Command – Africa, Garmisch, Germany.
CSM Taylor’s leadership positions include NBC Squad Leader, BIDS Team Leader, NBC acting Platoon Sergeant, Public Affairs NCOIC, Public Affairs acting section chief, HQs Press Camp Detachment Sergeant, and HHC First Sergeant.
His civilian education consists of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Photography with a focus in photojournalism from Columbia College Chicago. His military education includes; Chemical Operations Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Biological Integrated Detection Systems Course, Public Affairs Supervisor Advanced Leader Course (Phase I and II), Public Affairs Reclassification Course, Joint Public Affairs (OIF) Course, Contracting Officers Representative Course, Chief Public Affairs Senior Leader Course, USAR Company Commander First Sergeant Course, USAR Battalion/Brigade Pre-Command Course, Battalion Pre-Command/Command Sergeants Major Course and the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.
CSM Taylor’s awards and decorations include; Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (9th award), National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/Silver Hour Glass, M-device and numeral 2, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (5), Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon with numeral 2, GWOT Expeditionary Medal, GWOT Service Medal, the Military Order of Saint Gabriel (Public Affairs) Medallion and the Ancient Order of Saint Gabriel (Public Affairs) Medallion.
He married the former Thitiya Yaiyaphonsuk and has one child, Michael – age 4.
