In early 2009, sophomore Josh Taylor's days were not unlike those of his 17,000 fellow students at Mississippi State: a delicate balance of class, study, work, and leisure. In March 2009, however, his days became like those of a select group of men and women sworn to support and defend the United States of America.
Like many of his fellow student-veterans, Taylor--an Army National Guard specialist E-4--was called upon to put his education on hold and don the uniform worn by many before him.
He left the classroom and his studies in management of construction and land development and, after a brief stay at Camp Shelby near Hattiesburg, Taylor boarded a plane for Mosul, Iraq. There, he spent the next nine months with his field artillery unit, providing convoy security for supply trucks as they traversed the country, traveling from base to base.
He returned to MSU this March, anxious to pick up where he left off with his education.
"I always wanted to be in the military, and Mississippi State has always been a tradition in our family. Being in the Army National Guard gave me the opportunity to do both at the same time," Taylor said. "It is a good combination, and I am glad to be back at school. It is a privilege to be able to serve my country and a privilege to be a Mississippi State Bulldog."