HONOR. COURAGE. COMMITMENT.
LCPL Taylor Wild Forever Smiling Foundation Inc.
OUR MISSION
The LCPL Taylor Wild Forever Smiling Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of LCPL Taylor Wild by empowering future generations through education. The foundation’s mission is to uphold the core values that Taylor embodied—honor, commitment, and courage—by providing opportunities to young people who reflect these same principles.
Each year, through the proceeds raised from the Taylor Wild Memorial Golf Tournament, the foundation funds the Herzberg-Wild Scholarship. This $10,000 scholarship is awarded to a deserving high school senior in Anne Arundel County who demonstrates the Marine Corps values of honor, commitment, and courage. The recipient is not only a student with academic promise, but someone who embodies the integrity, resilience, and dedication that Taylor exemplified in his life and service.
The LCPL Taylor Wild Forever Smiling Foundation exists to keep Taylor’s spirit alive by inspiring others to live with purpose, service, and a commitment to the greater good. Through the generosity of those who support this cause, we ensure that Taylor’s legacy continues to make a lasting impact, encouraging others to lead with the same values he held dear.
SACRIFICE AND TRIBUTE TO OUR HERO
William Taylor Wild IV
Taylor adored his younger sister and made it his priority to spend time with her whether it was jumping on the trampoline or on a trip to the Baltimore Aquarium. He shared his passion for baseball with his younger brother; they could always be found together throwing a baseball or football in the backyard. He played baseball from age 5 through high school. Taylor’s mother was one of his favorite teammates whether it was volleyball, bocce or pickle ball. His father was his role model and he shared Taylor’s wish of Taylor joining the police department as a career. Taylor can be described by his tattoos that he collected over time. They represent what was so important to him that he wanted to show the world, forever. His first tattoo of a symbol of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines was to show respect to the United States Marine Corps that helped him build knowledge, be part of an intense brotherhood, travel, and develop the confidence that comes with a big smile. His second tattoo, a quote from Albus Dumbledore, “Death is but the next great adventure.” offered a glimpse into what was important to him as a kid. When Taylor got his next tattoo of a swallow flying over the ocean, his younger sister asked what it meant. He said “A swallow is a bird that can always find its way home, and this means I will always find my way back to you.” His last tattoo of an Oriole bird represented his passion and his home. Taylor deployed to both Afghanistan and Kuwait. Taylor died in a mortar explosion during a training exercise at Hawthorne Army Depot on March 18, 2013.
Taylor Wild Memorial Golf Tournament
Fall is the time for our Annual Taylor Wild Memorial Golf Tournament! As a family, we run this tournament in memory of Taylor who we love, miss, and remember everyday. Help us keep his name alive by participating in this tournament! All donations and proceeds support the LCPL Taylor Wild Forever Smiling Foundation Inc.