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AUGUSTA — Don Taylor, a retired U.S. Army major, was presented a “quilt of valor” from Farmington’s Maine’ Mountain Quilters for helping veterans get outside and enjoy fishing.
Jane Wilcox, representing the quilters, made the presentation in May at American Legion Post 205, on Eastern Avenue.
Taylor was attending a meeting of Back in the Maine Stream, the group that helps veterans, many of them disabled, get out and fish, and was surprised by the presentation.
Taylor, who was celebrating his 80th birthday, resides in Mount Vernon, and is a Vietnam veteran who dedicates his time and energy to helping his fellow vets, especially disabled veterans who are interested in getting outside to fish.
According to Steve Rothert, member of the board of directors of Back in the Maine Stream, Taylor is master of many skills, is patient and well-loved by the veterans he comes in contact with. Rothert says Taylor’s a wonderful instructor, helping veterans build bamboo fishing rods, showing them how to tie fishing flies and teaching casting.
In addition, he makes six-sided rod cases from wood. He does these activities as a volunteer to help disabled vets. The group — Back in the Maine Stream — meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Augusta American Legion Hall, 396 Eastern Ave., from 9 to 11 a.m. The group is entirely non-profit, providing disabled vets with fishing equipment, transportation, food and lodging at different fishing venues. Each veteran is provided with a volunteer guide who stays with them while fishing.
PHOTO: Don Taylor, a retired U.S. Army major, was presented a Quilt of Valor from Maine Mountain Quilters for his work with veterans in the Back in the Maine Stream and other programs. (Submitted photo)
