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NORTH OGDEN — Jennie Taylor, the widow of Maj. Brent Taylor, who was killed while serving with the Utah National Guard in Afghanistan in 2018, said Tuesday she does not want people saying the 20-year war was a waste.
"I think we have to be really careful that we don't call everything a waste," Taylor said. "Because I think if anything is ever a waste, any trial we face as a person or as a country, if we let it be a waste, I think it's on us for not learning and not growing."
Her statements come as Americans withdraw from Afghanistan and the Taliban begins to take control of the country.
Taylor's husband was killed in an insider attack by an Afghan special forces trainee on Nov. 3, 2018. He was 39 years old.
"I know Brent died loving the Afghan people," Taylor said while reflecting on her husband's tour of duty in Afghanistan. "He died trying to give them freedom, hope and opportunity."
While it has been difficult to see the crisis playing out as Western troops withdraw from the country, Taylor said her husband and those he served with knew victory was not guaranteed — but the battle was worth it. She also said all Americans should do their part to make the world a better place.
"There's a lot of devastation in Afghanistan and around the world. I hope that within the devastation, there's also seeds of hope."
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