KFDA - NewsChannel 10 / Amarillo News, Weather, SportsFallen Soldier Tribute

Fallen Soldier Tribute

It's never easy for families to deal with the loss of a loved one in the line of duty. This is where Phil Taylor says he saw his calling, helping families highlight the sacrifices their soldiers paid.

The family of 20 year old SFC.Taylor Burk was presented with one of Phil Taylor's portraits on Thursday with an immense amount of pride and love from both the family and Taylor.  the presentation highlights the value all soldiers should receive with a special tribute of gratitude.

There's discipline in a soldier anyone can see and that's what fallen soldier Taylor Burk's family says their soldier had. His Mother Tracy Earthman says, "His dad kept telling him there was gonna be a war. Taylor said, well that's the way it's gonna be. That's what I'll do".

Taylor served two duties overseas. Then his mother received the news her son passed on... Like so many soldiers have. So a special tribute is what Phil Taylor thought his duty was to those who have paid the ultimate price. 

Taylor has been painting portraits for more tha a year. A commitment he is proud of,  "I am committed and inspired to execute a great picture and capture the personality and spirit," he said.

Something Earthman says she sees in this portrait of her son. "Its a wonderful wonderful image, my favorite!" she says with tears of joy.

A picture worth more...than anyone can imagine to a mother and an artist with a gift for soldiers and their families. Taylor says, "You feel like you've made a deep connections some of those life lasting... They'll never be broken".

Earthman is grateful for all the support she has received, "It's not only support from the family not only support from the us government. It's support from a man who had a calling". 

Five other families will be presented with a portrait of their fallen soldier this weekend. The event will take place at the Civic Center on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

You can see all the portrait's Phil Taylor has created for free for the families by going to