Victoria Taylor: Ms Veteran America 2023 - Full Bio
Sergeant Victoria Ashley Taylor was born on September 2, 1994 in Woodbridge, VA but at the age of 1 she moved with her family to Dothan, Alabama. She grew up dancing and twirling baton as well as starting to run track and field events in second grade. Her love for the Marine Corps started at a very young age. She loved volunteering with the Toys for Tots Marine Corps Reserve Organization with her 30 year Retired Marine Corps Grandfather and her family every year from a young age and giving back to her community by collecting toys for those less fortunate to provide a better Holiday season for them.
In High School, she twirled for the Marching Band for 4 years and was Captain of the Majorette Line her Junior and Senior years. She adored performing with the band at all of the football games. Additionally, in her Junior and Senior years in High School, she participated in the school's Marine Corps JROTC program, competing in color guard, shooting, physical fitness and orienteering competitions and even doing a mini bootcamp at Parris Island, SC. She made great friends during her time in ROTC but never expected to actually join the military. When she graduated High School, Victoria was awarded a full 2 year scholarship to run Cross Country at Chipola College in Marianna, FL. There, she participated in the theater program dancing and entertaining again. After the 2 year scholarship was done, she realized her deep desire to serve and so she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Camera Marine in 2015.
During her time in the Marine Corps she was assigned as a combat videographer and photographer. She was stationed at Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, CA where she was assigned to and deployed with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2018 for an 8 month West Pacific Deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). While overseas she volunteered in multiple countries in soup kitchens and schools. She dedicated 586 hours of community service and volunteer work while she was active duty. For her extensive volunteer service while serving active duty, she was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, only earned by continuous volunteer service in her own liberty time regularly over a period of three years and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award: Gold Award.
Victoria truly loves photography and videography and released 550 images while active duty and has had her work featured in magazines, posters, documentaries and news outlets around the globe. She had a passion for documenting the Marine Corps' story and sharing it with the world.
She continues to volunteer and give back as a civilian with Toys for Tots, animal rescues and shelters, and she is also a volunteer member of the USA Cheerleaders. She is also completing her Bachelor's Degree at George Mason University in her free time. Her love for photography and videography never ceased with her time on active duty, she is now a Professional Photographer for the United States Secret Service based out of Washington, DC where she photographs everything from forensics of fingerprints on counterfeit money and threat letters to Presidential and Vice Presidential events all over the world.
While active duty she earned her black belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and her personal awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, the Global war on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Certificate of Commendation (4), Letter of Appreciation (13) and Meritorious Mast (1).
Victoria is a proud female veteran and is passionate about community service and giving back. Victoria is now serving as Ms Veteran America 2023, advocating for homeless women veterans and their children with Final Salute Inc.
