Zacheriah Taylor has faced his share of battles, both on the front lines and within himself.

After serving in Iraq as part of the U.S. Army during the post-9/11 era, Taylor’s journey of resilience has led him to become a passionate advocate for veterans’ mental health.

Today, the Palmerton resident serves as a leader in local veterans’ organizations, using his story to inspire and support others.

Born in a small logging town in Washington State, Taylor knew from a young age that he wanted to join the military. After considering different branches, he enlisted in the Army in 2005, following a lifelong dream. Taylor completed basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and was later stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, before being deployed to Iraq.

“After 9/11, I was starting to realize that I’m not doing anything here at home, so why not actually follow the dream I’ve had my whole life?” Taylor said about his decision to serve.

His time in Iraq tested his resolve as friendships were formed, strengthened, and sometimes lost.

“I saw and experienced a lot of things that I still carry with me,” Taylor said. “I left for Fort Knox in early January of 2006 and the next five-and-a-half years are bits and pieces of blur.

“We were extended halfway through our deployment to Iraq from 12 months to 16 months.”

Returning to the U.S. in 2008, Taylor faced an unexpected health challenge — a stroke at just 26. While he fought to stay in the Army, he was ultimately medically retired a year and a half later.

The transition to civilian life brought its own struggles.

“I spent the better part of eight years after the service fighting my own demons,” Taylor said. “I moved to Pennsylvania in 2016.”

His turning point came in 2017 when he sought help through the Coatesville VA Medical Center.

“I checked myself in four months and then again in 2019,” he added.

Over the years, Taylor participated in VA programs including residential PTSD treatment that helped him confront deep-seated pain.

“I wasn’t OK, and it was OK not to be OK,” Taylor said. “I had been running away from it for so long and I didn’t like who I was anymore. For all intents and purposes, I was ready to check out.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that around 17 veterans die by suicide daily. Efforts like the VA’s PTSD treatment programs and peer-support initiatives are critical lifelines for many veterans like Taylor. The American Legion’s “Be the One” campaign, which Taylor has embraced and in which he serves as a volunteer, focuses on suicide prevention through community engagement and support.

Taylor’s advocacy extends to multiple veterans’ organizations. As vice commander of his local American Legion chapter in Gilbert and director of the Legion Riders, he works to change the perception of groups like the American Legion.

“A lot of it is changing the narrative that the VFW and American Legions are just bars. We’re much more than that,” Taylor said.

In addition to his leadership roles, Taylor has participated in programs like Project Healing Waters, which uses fly-fishing to promote outdoor therapy for disabled veterans.

He is also involved in events like Tucker’s Toy Run and outreach initiatives with BattleBorne.

Taylor’s efforts have had tangible impacts. At an event in Bethlehem, he encountered a young veteran who was struggling with the loss of a friend to suicide. Taylor’s patient listening and guidance helped steer the veteran toward peer-support programs, which have since improved his mental health.

“The struggle is real every single day, but there are success stories,” Taylor said. “It’s not about forcing the veteran to do something; it’s about meeting them in the middle and understanding.”

For Taylor, being visible and approachable in the community is crucial. Veterans often hesitate to seek help, but seeing someone who understands their experiences can make a difference.

“Being a known presence in the community helps veterans feel more comfortable coming up to talk,” Taylor said.

The holiday season can be particularly challenging for veterans, a time when feelings of isolation and memories of loss can resurface. Taylor has a simple but powerful message for those who might be struggling.

“You’re not alone,” he said. “There are millions of us across the country who have experienced similar, if not the same, tragedies in life. We don’t have to go through it alone.”

To suggest a veteran for the St. Luke’s Salute to Service feature, email tneditor@tnonline.com