How We Began
How We Began . . .
An example of how a tremendous loss can pave the way for something
incredibly meaningful, The Texas Fallen Soldiers Project was born out
of a family tragedy that occurred in May 2007. Shortly after taking
Phil Taylor’s youngest daughter to the prom and just a few days before
graduating from high school, Ben Dossett was killed in a motorcycle
accident in his hometown of Frisco, Texas. Out of a desire to help his
daughter through the tragedy and to honor Ben and his family, Phil
painted tirelessly through the night and the following day to have the
portrait ready to present to the Dossett family before the funeral. At
the moment he received the hug of gratitude from Ben’s father, he knew
he wanted to do more with his art and talent. The experience of
painting a portrait of someone taken too soon and then having the
opportunity to give this gift to a grieving family was profound and
life changing for Phil.
A few weeks later, he contacted a friend who’s brother had been killed
in Iraq the previous year. While attending Capt. Blake Russell’s
funeral, Phil had observed an incredible outpouring of American
patriotism and, after the experience of painting the portrait of Ben,
was inspired to try to restore Blake on canvas for his family. The
reaction from the Russell family upon receiving their portrait was
confirmation that these paintings were a way to bring some comfort and
peace to a grieving family. Phil and his wife, Lisa, knew he had to
continue to share this gift with as many families as possible, and The
Texas Fallen Soldiers Project was born.
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