By Jesse Levy
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Ian Reid McKnight
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Ian Reid McKnight is a Colorado native whose life of service began when he enlisted in the United States Army as an Infantryman in 1989. Over a 30-year military career, Ian served in the Army with deployments supporting Operations Desert Shield, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. His career evolved from Infantry and Transportation leadership into Psychological Operations, where he served at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels, ultimately culminating as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major of the 14th Psychological Operations Battalion.
Ian also supported national security efforts as a senior strategic planner and analyst with United States Central Command and United States Special Operations Command, contributing to complex planning, interagency coordination, and operational effectiveness across multiple regions. His military education includes the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder, and numerous joint planning and information operations courses. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, and several other decorations recognizing a career of leadership and service.
Beyond the uniform, Ian has remained committed to serving veterans and his community. He has founded and supported veteran-focused nonprofit efforts, including work providing honor shadow boxes to veterans and service dog training support for disabled veterans. Today, Ian brings the same values that guided his military career, loyalty, duty, respect, integrity, and selfless service, into his work as a real estate professional serving Erie, Colliers Hill, and Northern Colorado.
You’ll likely recognize Ian and his wife Tonya, the realtors featured on the back cover of Greet Erie, true Heroes of Erie and cherished members of the community we’re proud to call home.
A Quiet Hero of Ramadi: The Story of Silver Star Recipient Jason Harrington
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the legacy of service and sacrifice remains best told through the stories of individual Americans who answered the call. Among them is Army Specialist Jason Harrington, a Pennsylvania National Guardsman whose actions under fire in Iraq exemplify courage, leadership, and humility.
Harrington enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 2000 and later deployed to Iraq in 2005 as part of the 104th Long Range Surveillance Infantry Detachment. Operating in Ramadi—then one of the most dangerous regions in the country—his unit carried out surveillance and reconnaissance missions in a constant state of uncertainty and risk.
On September 19, 2005, a devastating series of events unfolded that would change Harrington’s life forever. Earlier that day, members of his platoon, including close friends and his platoon leader, were killed when their vehicle was struck by a powerful improvised explosive device (IED). The explosion left little recognizable of the vehicle and marked the beginning of a chaotic and dangerous response effort.
Harrington volunteered to join a quick reaction force sent to the scene. As his team moved through the area, their own Humvee was struck by another IED, severely damaging the vehicle and leaving the soldiers disoriented amid smoke, debris, and the possibility of further attack. Despite the shock and confusion, Harrington quickly assessed the situation, checked on his fellow soldiers, and began engaging potential enemy positions.
Moments later, a second explosion hit as another vehicle attempted to tow theirs to safety, disabling both Humvees and leaving the soldiers exposed. With onboard communications destroyed, Harrington made a critical decision—he retrieved a portable radio he had brought with him, established contact with command, and directed reinforcements to avoid the dangerous roadway.
For nearly half an hour, Harrington remained exposed to enemy fire while coordinating support and maintaining control of the situation. His actions helped prevent further casualties and allowed additional forces to secure the area and evacuate the wounded. His calm demeanor and decisive leadership in the face of extreme danger were later credited with saving lives.
For his extraordinary valor, Harrington was awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest military decoration for bravery in combat. His recognition carried historical significance as well—he became the first Pennsylvania National Guardsman since World War II to receive the honor.
Yet Harrington himself has consistently deflected attention away from his own heroism. In interviews, he has emphasized the sacrifice of the men who did not return, insisting that they deserve the recognition. That perspective reflects a common thread among many veterans: a deep sense of duty not only to their country, but to one another.
After returning home in 2006, Harrington built a life in Colorado with his family, while continuing to support fellow veterans. Though the physical toll of service remains, he has found purpose in community, the outdoors, and maintaining the bonds forged during his time in uniform.
His story is not just one of battlefield heroics, but of enduring character—of a soldier who acted when it mattered most, and who continues to live with humility and dedication long after the fighting ended.
As America reflects on 250 years of independence, stories like Jason Harrington’s serve as a powerful reminder that the nation’s strength has always rested in the courage and commitment of its people.
Vietnam War Veteran Tom Taylor
In March of 1967, as the Vietnam War escalated, Tom received his draft notice. Rather than wait to be called, he chose his own path and enlisted in the United States Navy the following month.
Tom entered one of the Navy’s most demanding programs as a “Navy Nuke,” undergoing six months of intensive academic training in nuclear power theory followed by another six months of prototype training. The rigorous program prepared him for service aboard the USS Swordfish (SSN-579), a fast-attack nuclear submarine based out of Pearl Harbor.
During his time aboard the Swordfish, Tom completed patrols in the waters off Vietnam in 1970 and 1971, along with other special operations missions during the height of the Cold War era. He served honorably until his discharge from the Navy in April of 1973.
Following his military service, Tom continued building a career centered around nuclear technology and public safety. He attended Kansas State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. Over the next several decades, he worked as a startup engineer at newly constructed nuclear facilities, served for 10 years as a federal inspector with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and spent another 15 years as a consultant within the nuclear power industry. His final professional role was with the Urenco USA fuel enrichment facility in New Mexico.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom has remained deeply committed to his family and community. He and his wife, Janelle, have been married for 53 years and raised two children, now ages 49 and 47. Today, they enjoy time with their four grandchildren and have proudly called Erie, Colorado home for the past 26 years.
Tom has also dedicated years of volunteer service to the Erie Chamber of Commerce, where he has served as both a board member and ambassador for more than a decade. A lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), he continues to stay active in the veteran community.
In recent years, Tom has combined his love of nature and creativity through photography. For more than 20 years, he has pursued nature photography and currently serves as a photographer for Greet magazine. His work can be viewed at wmphotobytom.com.
