Photo by Staff Sgt. Marshall Pesta/USAJFKSWCS PAO Staff Sgt. Charles Taylor, center, and his Family pose at the Army Special Operations Battle Command Training Center, part of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. Taylor, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, is the first Soldier to report to duty at SWCS from the Warrior Transition Battalion, also on Fort Bragg, affording him the flexibility to work and serve his country while focusing on recovery and medical appointments.

One of the first lessons you learn in the military is the importance of teamwork. When a Soldier is taken out of the fight due to injury or illness, a sense of isolation from that team can be devastating. 
Another core lesson — never leave a fallen comrade. The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School is doing its part by working with the United States Army Special Operations Command Equal Employment Opportunity Office to bring recovering Soldiers back to the Army team. 

Staff Sgt. Charles Taylor is the first Soldier to report to SWCS from the Warrior Transition Battalion; he now works as a trainer at the Army Special Operations Battle Command Training Center. 

When Taylor was diagnosed with cancer in December 2007, he was medically evacuated from Afghanistan and has been undergoing treatment since then. 

Unable to return to his duties with his original unit, he says he still wanted to contribute something to the fight. 

“This has been a great opportunity for me.  For a while, I felt like I was just sitting at home, waiting to get better,” Taylor said.  “This has helped make me feel like I’m part of a team again, like I’m productive again.” 

The program gives Soldiers recovering from wounds or serious illness, on-the-job training in skills which are marketable in the civilian sector. This is especially helpful for Soldiers who will be transitioning out of the Army after their treatment.

Thomas Dugan, the civilian director of the BCTC, said he appreciates having this program in place. On top of the benefit of having extra hands in the unit, he says it’s an all-around, good opportunity for the organization and the Soldiers. 

“For all of the sacrifices (these Soldiers) have made, they deserve an opportunity like this,” said Dugan.

Not only do these Soldiers get training in a new job field, but they also get to be a part of training other Soldiers, with the flexibility to take care of their medical needs. 

Taylor takes helping fellow Soldiers a step further, by going back and talking to other Soldiers dealing with cancer. 

“It is especially hard for the Soldiers that don’t have Family nearby,” said Taylor. “I try to encourage them and let them know it’s hard but they will get through this.  I definitely recommend this program too. It’s so much better to get involved than to sit at home, trying to deal with it alone.” 

Special Warfare Center and School hopes to see more Soldiers get back on the team with this on-the-job training. 

Dugan said the BCTC will take as many Soldiers like Taylor, with his dedication and enthusiasm, as the Army will give him. 

“Every time he comes in, he smiles,” said Dugan. “It’s like he feels needed again, part of a Family and part of the Army again. And he is — he’s part of our team.”

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