MARIETTA, Ohio — Marine Lance Cpl. Josh Taylor fulfilled a nearly lifelong dream when he joined the military right after graduating from a southeastern Ohio high school in 2010.
Taylor's grandfather, Larry Stephens, confirmed today that the 21-year-old Marine from Marietta was one of seven killed when a mortar exploded during a mountain warfare training exercise in Nevada Monday.
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Stephens said today his grandson had talked about being a Marine since he was about 5, watching the History Channel and studying the military. After joining, he worked with mortars and served tours in Afghanistan and Kuwait, and was preparing for another tour in Afghanistan.
Stephens called Taylor “polite, respectful,” saying the young man would “do anything for anybody.”
Taylor was engaged to be married, with a wedding planned for May.