His core values which were taught by loving parents and reinforced in the military, formed his character, personal and moral values and provided him the source of strength needed to sustain him during this very low point in his young life. He had a choice of giving in to the pain of his injuries or becoming the master of them. During this time, he worked both night and day in physical therapy to become stronger, both physically and mentally. He was tenacious, unwilling to give up and become just another victim of his wounds. He had the staying power and indomitable spirit to keep on course in building a better future for himself and his country. Since leaving the Army, he has been active in his community while working to build a better life for his family and himself, while working tirelessly to create a better life for his fellow veterans and their families.

It is noteworthy that during Fred’s 22 year residency in Florida, in spite of his physical disabilities incurred in the defense of our great nation, he still made significant contributions to our state and country. As a result of his business ventures in the state of Florida, many of our state’s citizens have been gainfully employed, which has also helped the economic growth in our state. Notably, he has also been a leader in the creation of several effective leadership training programs, he was also the director of the USO in Tampa and is a featured speaker and educator in the area of hurricane awareness. His contributions include serving as the Director of the Greater Tampa Association Board of Realtors and being selected as one of 40 veterans nationwide to participate in an 8 day business symposium as a part of the national Veterans Entrepreneurism Program. His enormous contribution in the Florida veterans’ community is without equal.

In the short space provided, I can’t possibly point out and explain all of the good that this veteran has done for our country and our citizens. As you read the material which I have provided in the sections above, I think it becomes evident why I have chosen to recommend this most deserving combat wounded veteran, who is one of the few living who wears 3 Purple Hearts, earned in combat while defending our great nation’s freedom. I will be happy to appear in person before the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Selection Committee to further explain in detail my recommendation.

Summary of Education and Training Accomplishments:

• Lewis Cass High School, Class of 1966
• BS Degree 1973 and MS Degree 1991, Indiana University
• Graduate Certificate in Public Management in Hospital Administration
• Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (Florida and Indiana)
• Notary Public (Florida)
• Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate
• Arbitrator, Florida Supreme Court Certified
• Mediator, Graduate of Supreme Court approved training
• Paralegal, certified by Indiana University School of Law
• Certified Funeral-Life Celebrant
• Selected as the outstanding student teacher at Indiana University, and represented Indiana University at an educational leadership symposium for outstanding student teaching performance and achievement.
• Inducted into the Lewis Cass High School Hall of Fame
• Completed a one-week course in major philanthropic gifting, Indiana University

Professional or Employment History

Owner/Licensed Administrator 1997 – 2016
F.A. Taylor & Associates, Inc. New Port Richey, FL

• Served as interim administrator at several Florida health care centers and managed budgetary practices that improved financial results
• Assisted with the correction of serious deficiencies at health care facilities
• Implemented policies and procedures that were effective in operational programs Region Vice President 1994 – 1997 Sea Crest Health Care Corporation Tampa, FL
• Managed 13 facilities in central Florida (budget, human resources, operations)
• Trained facility management staff and regional staff
• Provided oversight of compliance standards and survey preparation 

Executive Director 1992 – 1994
Sterling House & Clare Bridge Cottage Jeffersonville, IN

• Hired to oversee building of facility
• Handled all aspects of business associated with a successful opening
• Coordinated with multiple vendors and affiliated businesses

Administrator/Owner 1979 -1991
RTM Corporation Kokomo and Westfield, IN

• Owner of 2 nursing homes
• Responsible for all aspects of business operations, budgeting, and human resources
• Provided oversight on all personnel actions for the company

Advocacy on Behalf of Veterans:

• Elected National Commander of the 45,000 member Military Order of the Purple Heart, a Congressionally Chartered veterans’ organization serving combat wounded veterans.
• Cited in the U.S. Senate Record for forming and being elected the first Commander of the only campus-based chapter of the Disabled American Veterans in the United States, and for activism in initiating a movement to make the campus at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, more accessible for all handicapped students.
• Selected by Indiana Governor Otis R. Bowen to sit on a select committee for the State of Indiana for the Employment of the handicapped.
• Selected by Brigadier General Emmett Bean, to serve on the Commanding General’s Advisory Council at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, IN.
• Selected by U.S. Army Chief of Staff, General Creighton Abrams, to serve a four year appointment on the National Army Chief of Staff s Advisory Council, Washington, DC.
• Met with Secretary of the Army, Howard “Bo” Callaway, at the Pentagon to discuss Military retiree health care and benefits issues.
• Met with Army Chief of Staff, General Frederick Weyand, at the Pentagon to discuss military retiree and dependent issues.
• Met with Secretary of the Army, Martin Hoffman, at the Pentagon to discuss military retiree issues.
• Met with U.S. Senator Birch Bayh and his administrative aide Dairy Sragow, to discuss military matters and veterans’ issues (i.e., health care, education, readjustment, vocation rehab, employment, etc).
• Met with Army Chief of Staff, General Bernard Rogers, at the Pentagon to discuss military retiree health care and benefits.
• Met with U.S. Senator Richard Lugar and his administrative aide Mitch Daniels to discuss military retiree issues.
• 1997-Invited by President Bill Clinton to the White House, Washington DC, to discuss veteran’s healthcare issues.
• 2000-Placed wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington Cemetery on Veteran’s Day.
• 2000 (Nov.)-Invited by President Bill Clinton to the White House, Washington DC, to discuss military matters, medical care initiatives, and other veterans’ issues.
• 2000 (Nov.)-Sat with President Bill Clinton on stage at Arlington Cemetery, Arlington VA, during his Veterans’ Day speech to approximately 10,000 attendees.
• 2000-Attended U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman’s “Salute to Veterans” ceremony at the U.S. Department of Labor, Washington DC.
• 2000-Invited as a VIP guest to attend the National World War II Memorial ground breaking ceremony, Washington, DC.
• 2000 (May)-Invited by President Bill Clinton to the White House, Washington DC, to discuss the state of veterans’ benefits and medical care issues.
• 2001 (March)-Addressed the joint session of the United States Senate and U.S. House of Representatives select committees on veterans affairs, Washington, DC.
• 2001 (May)-Invited by President George W. Bush to the White House, Washington, DC, to discuss policies relevant to United States veterans (i.e., health care, benefits, readjustment, etc.).
• 2001 (May)-Placed wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery.
• 2003 (May)-Invited by U.S. Postmaster General John Potter, to attend ceremony at President George Washington’s estate as a dignitary for the dedication of the Purple Heart stamp.
• 2006 (Nov.)-Selected to be Chairman of the National MOPH Foundation’s Investment Committee. This committee invests and manages $34,000,000 in funds for its non-profit foundation that gives grants to combat wounded veterans to assist them in overcoming their injuries and regaining quality of life.
• 2007 (Dec.)-Elected as Vice President of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation. This elected position oversees the activities of national fund raising initiatives, as well as educational and training programs of the Foundation.
• 2008-Speaker at the Alaska MOPH convention, along with Gov. Sarah Palin, in Anchorage, AL.
• 2013 (May)-Selected by AIPAC to be a member of a 10 person American delegation to tour Israeli defense installations, meet with Israeli government representatives, PLO representatives, and Israeli military officials.
• 2013 (July)-Appointed by U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis to serve on his District Advisory Committee on veterans and military affairs.
• 2014 (Jan.)-Selected by Lt. General Jack Klimp, USMC(Ret.) and confirmed by the National Association of the Uniformed Services (NAUS) Board of Directors, to be President of the State of Florida Chapter.
• 2014 (Nov.)-Keynote speaker at the Trinity-Odessa Chamber of Commerce Veterans Day banquet.
• 2014 (Nov.)-Selected to be Grand Marshal of the Cass County Veterans Day Parade and keynote speaker at the annual Cass County Veterans Day banquet, held in Logansport, IN.
• 2015 (Feb.)-Subject of a featured article in the February 2015 edition of “Vietnam Magazine”, telling the story of my combat experiences.
• 2015 (May)-Selected as one of 40 veterans in the United States to participate in an 8 day business symposium via the national Veterans Entrepreneurism Program, conducted at the Hough Graduate School of Business on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, FL.
• Elected for two terms as the President of the General Anthony Wayne Chapter, Association of the United States Army, Fort Wayne, IN. Set records for corporate membership recruiting for the chapter.
• Selected by the Department of Florida MOPH to make a presentation in Tallahassee to the Florida Cabinet prior to Governor Rick Scott’s signing of a declaration stating that August 7 will be the official Purple Heart Recognition Day in the state of Florida. 
• Member of the following Veterans Organizations:
• Military Order of the Purple Heart American Legion
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Vietnam Veterans of America Paralyzed Veterans of America National Infantry Association
• Non Commissioned Officers Association Life Member
• Combat Infantrymans Association Life Member
• Currently serving as the Deputy to the National Commander of the Combat Infantryman’s Association.
• Presently serving as a consultant to the Executive Director of the National Association for the Uniformed Services (NAUS).

Civic Activities and Contributions:

• Founder and first president, Iowa Chapter of the Indiana University Alumni Association.
• Keynote speaker at the Cosmos Club, Washington, DC, at a dinner of government health care policy makers and management personnel.
• Elected Director of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors Foundation, a 3 year position.
• Wrote a leadership article that was published in a national magazine, “What Do Followers Expect From Their Leaders?”
• Chosen to be a member of the Florida Health Care Association’s “Florida Leader Program 2012”.
• Selected to facilitate a two hour continuing education session on the topic “What Do Followers Expect From Their Leaders?” at the 2012 Florida Health Care Association Annual Convention in Orlando, FL.
• Chosen to present a State of Florida approved/certified continuing education training program on “Effective Leadership in 2012”, at Florida Health Care Association District 4 meeting in Tampa, FL. 
• Featured speaker at the 2013 Regional Hurricane Symposium held at the Saint Petersburg Convention Center, with over 2,000 people in attendance.
• 2001 (July)-Spoke on program with Attorney General John Ashcroft to audience of 2,500 attendees at the “Honor America” ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa.
• Selected for the USO Tampa Bay Board of Directors, located at Tampa International Airport.
• 2013 (Feb.)-Chosen by the Florida Health Care Association to facilitate a statewide teleconference to review and discuss a selected management book, “If Disney Ran Your Hospital”.
• 2015 (July)-Elected to a 4 year term on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, Richmond, IN.

Awards or Honors:

• Selected by the Bi-Centennial Committee for Clark County, IN as one of the “Heroes and Legends” for the 200th anniversary of Clark County. Others selected included: Daniel Patrick Moynihan, U.S. Senator; Colonel Harlan Sanders, KFC Founder; George Rogers Clark, General and explorer; Cleveland Williams, Civil Rights Leader; Dale Oren, NFL referee; John Schnatter, Founder and CEO of Papa John’s Pizza; Admiral Jonas Howard Iingram, Commander of the Atlantic Fleet-WW II, and William Borden, scientist and founder of the Borden Institute.
• Chosen to be the United States delegate to the World Veterans Federation conference, Paris, France. Attended meetings at the United Nations UNESCO building, met with French Prime Minister; met with the Mayor of Paris; met with the French Minister of Defense at the Hotel De Invaledes; and met with the President of the French Senate.
• Presented with the “Legion of Merit Bronze Medallion” by the Chapel of the Four Chaplains organization in recognition for humanitarian service to all people, regardless of race or faith.
• Awarded the National James Dean Humanitarian Award for volunteer activities on behalf of veterans and their families. Only three other persons have received this award (Red Skelton-comedian. President Jimmy Carter, and Merle Haggard-country singer). The award was given at the Vetfest program at the Nashville Palace in Nashville, TN.
• Awarded the Order of Saint Maurice Medal by Major General Fred Raymond, of the National Infantry Association, for outstanding lifetime achievements on behalf of the United States Army Combat Infantry.
• Elected to the National Infantry Association Board of Directors, Fort Benning, Columbus, GA.
• Recognized by the National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart at the National Convention in 2013 for contributing over 10,000 hours of service to American veterans.
• Recognized by both his high school and Indiana University as an outstanding alumnus
• Awarded 3 Purple Hearts by the U.S. Army for wounds in action against an armed enemy.