This is part 5 of Fox News Digital’s Freedom Isn’t Free series honoring America’s fallen heroes.
Gold Star father Darin Hoover believes that the phrase ‘freedom isn’t free’ embodies a sense of responsibility as well.
“You know, again, throughout the history of this country, thank goodness there’s been men and women who have stepped up over those 248 years and the time before we even became a country fighting for our freedom. There have been those that have answered the call,” said Hoover in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital.
Personal Sacrifice for Freedom
Darin and his wife Kelly’s son, Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover with the United States Marine Corps, was killed in action on August 26, 2021, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. He had turned 31 years old less than a month prior to his death.
“I couldn’t be more proud of any of them, just like I couldn’t be more proud of those that have sacrificed everything before throughout the history of this country. Because without them, we definitely would not be free. If given the opportunity again, if our kids were to come back to us and ask that same question, if they would join all over again and go back. I know every single one of them would say absolutely yes.”
Early Dream of Service
A Utah native, Taylor knew since age 11 that he wanted to join the Marine Corps after witnessing the events of 9/11. His parents had kept him home from school on that fateful day.
“Right then and there, he told us that he was going to join the military and specifically the Marine Corps. Like Kelly has told the story time and time again, those little plastic Army guys, you know, that the kids all get. Those weren’t Army, those were Marines,” Hoover recalled.
Staff Sergeant Hoover was 31 years old when he was killed in action at the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan. (Darin Hoover)
Commitment and Dedication
Taylor never wavered from his Marine Corps dream, enlisting on September 13, 2010, and completing Marine Corps Recruit Depot training on December 10, 2010. He underwent two separate deployments to Afghanistan with the 3-7, or 3rd Battalion 7th Marines.
“He was taken under a couple of his Sergeant’s wings. They had him out front constantly with the minesweeper. And any detail that they needed, done. Taylor had either already started doing it or knew exactly what needed to be done and took it over and just did it,” said proud father Darin.
Service and Sacrifice
Taylor’s hard work and dedication paid off, leading to his promotion to Staff Sergeant during a later deployment with the Second Battalion, First Marines.
When Taylor’s unit was called to deploy to Afghanistan to assist in the American withdrawal under President Biden, Darin received a cryptic message from his son. Taylor reassured his father, promising to do what was necessary to bring his team home safely.
Staff Sergeant Darin ‘Taylor’ Hoover was a ‘man among men’ according to his father, Darin Hoover. (Darin Hoover)
Ultimate Sacrifice and Memorial
Tragically, Taylor’s mother, Kelly, sensed that something was wrong on August 26, leading to the devastating confirmation of her son’s death.
“My dad never cries. I think I’ve seen the man cry once, maybe twice, my entire life. My dad was crying. He said, ‘Hey bud, there’s two Marines standing outside the door.’ And I lost it. Just like all the rest of the families do when their loved one has been killed. And I had to fly in my car 2 ½ hours back home and met with the two Marines that confirmed that Taylor had been killed,” Darin Hoover recalled.
Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover, USMC, was one of the 13 fallen American heroes who were killed in action on August 26, 2021. (Darin Hoover)
Since that tragic day at the Kabul Airport, Gold Star parents Darin and Kelly have established the Staff Sergeant Darin “Taylor” Hoover Memorial to honor their son’s legacy. This memorial provides scholarships to deserving students and supports veterans in need by donating service dogs.
The third annual Staff Sergeant Darin Taylor Hoover Memorial 5k race will take place on August 31, 2024, in Marion, Arkansas.
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Insight:
– Darin Hoover’s perspective on the phrase “freedom isn’t free” highlights the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by servicemen and women throughout history.
– Taylor Hoover’s unwavering commitment to his dream of serving in the Marine Corps exemplifies the dedication of individuals who choose to protect their country.
– The formation of the Staff Sergeant Darin “Taylor” Hoover Memorial showcases the resilience and generosity of Gold Star parents in honoring their son’s legacy and supporting others in need.
