National Guard and NYS Museum to Host American Fallen Soldier Project

Related Media

Artist Phil Taylor of the American Fallen Soldier Project. Photo courtesy of DMNA.

NYS MUSEUM, ALBANY, NY (12/06/2010)(readMedia)-- Texas artist Phil Taylor and his wife Lisa of the American Fallen Soldier Project are coming to Albany next week to present another painted portrait of a fallen area service member and then visit the Citizen Soldier Exhibit at the New York State Museum where three of his past subjects are featured. His visit will include a free screening of the documentary "Strength and Honor, the Story of Drum" about the late Staff Sergeant Christian Engledrum, "Fighting 69th Infantry" Soldier and 9-11, 2001 New York City fire fighter who was killed in Iraq on November 29, 2004.

WHO: Artist Phil Taylor and his wife Lisa of the American Fallen Soldier Project

WHAT: Screening of "Strength and Honor, the Story of Drum" and visit to the Citizen Soldier Exhibit

WHEN: 2:30 p.m., Thursday, December 9th

WHERE: Citizen Soldier Exhibit, New York State Museum, Empire State Plaza, Albany

Additional Information:

Texas artist Phil Taylor and his wife Lisa of the American Fallen Soldiers Project will be in Albany on December 9 to present another portrait to an area family of a fallen service member (look for a separate advisory from the Albany International Airport for a Thursday morning event on December 9.)

A free, special showing of the 46 minute documentary "Strength and Honor, the Story of Drum" will be shown at the Huxley Theater at the New York State Museum and will be followed by a Q and A period. The film tells the story of Christian Engledrum, his service as a New York City fire fighter at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks of 2001 and his service and death as a member of the National Guard's famous "Fighting 69th" Infantry from New York City. The film chronicles the painting of the Engledrum portrait by Phil Taylor at his Texas studio, the transportation to New York courtesy of American Airlines and the presentation ceremony to the Engledrum family which took place at the Intrepid Museum in New York Harbor on September 12, 2009 before an audience of New York City fire fighters, Soldiers, friends and officials.

Following the screening, Phil and Lisa Taylor will tour the Citizen Soldier Exhibit. The Iraq and Afghanistan portion of the exhibit features the stories of five Fallen New York National Guard Soldiers and three have been painted by Phil Taylor, including Staff Sgt. Engledrum, Sgt. Wilfredo Urbina both from New York City and Sgt. David Fisher from Watervliet. The Fisher memorial display case includes a print of Phil Taylor's portrait and the photo that was used to support the artwork and other personal items. The portrait of David Fisher was presented to the Soldier's family last year at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

The American Fallen Soldiers Project is a 501© 3 non-profit organization committed to honoring the memory of fallen military personnel by presenting the next of kin with custom portraits of their late loved one at no cost. From its website is the following statement from the artist to family members of fallen service men and women:

"It is my desire that each portrait I produce translate the deep appreciation I have for your beloved's service and sacrifice to our nation. Your loss can never be replaced, but I pray this gift can be a place of peace and reflection in your time of need. Please know that I approach your loved one's portrait with great respect and a broken heart. Thoughts of honor, bravery and valor remain constant in my mind as I paint and look upon their face."

The project is supported by American Airlines which transports the portraits and the artist free of charge from Texas to locations around the country for in-person presentations. Since its inception in 2007, the artist has completed more than 75 paintings, including 6 members of the New York Army National Guard that have been presented to families across the nation. For more information go to www.americanfallensoldiers.com

For more information, contact Lt. Col. Paul Fanning at (518) 786-4518 office or at (518) 441-4106 cell.