Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Honors Army Veteran Arthur Ray Taylor as July 2010 "Veteran of the Month"

BOLINGBROOK - The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) today named Bolingbrook resident Arthur Ray Taylor, a veteran of both the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, as the July 2010 Veteran of the Month.

The Illinois "Veteran of the Month" award is a distinction that is given to military Veterans who give back to their community and continue to serve other Veterans. IDVA Director Dan Grant, accompanied by IDVA Assistant Director Sergio Estrada, presented the award to Taylor at a ceremony at Bolingbrook Village Hall.

Taylor's distinguished military career that spanned more than two decades. He served in the Marines for five years before returning to military service as an Army Reservist in 1985. Taylor retired in 2004 as a Sergeant First Class Army Reserve Recruiter.

He received numerous awards during his career, including the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, four Army Good Conduct Medals and two Army Achievement Medals, among others. Taylor is also active with the American Legion and was the first African-American post commander of American Legion Post 1288 in Bolingbrook, where he served as post commander from 2008-2010.

"Arthur Ray Taylor is a true example of a public servant. He not only served his country honorably - twice - as a Marine and in the Army, he has also continued to serve his community through his work with the American Legion and other organizations helping veterans," said IDVA Director Dan Grant. "We are proud to honor his work and achievements today."

Taylor, 58, is employed as a Department Service Officer for the American Legion Department of Illinois, assigned to the Chicago Regional Office of Veterans Affairs. He is also a service officer for the Past Commanders Will County Council of the American Legion, and works with the Will County Veterans Assistance Commission. 

The "Veteran of the Month" award highlights the work of community activists who are also military Veterans.  Each month the Department recognizes a different person or group that contributes to the betterment of communities across the state of Illinois.  To nominate a "Veteran of the Month," please visit IDVA's website at veterans.illinois.gov to obtain a list of guidelines and a nomination form.