Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SOUTH OGDEN, Utah (May 20, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Utah is joining the family and friends of Maj. Brent Taylor for a Memorial Day weekend blood drive honoring the former North Ogden mayor and Utah National Guard officer, who was killed while deployed to Afghanistan. The drive also remembers all the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The Gold Star Family Blood Drive will be held Friday, May 22, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the South Ogden Stake, 4075 Orchard Ave. Donors can schedule an appointment at redcross.org/GiveBlood using sponsor code MBTF.
For the Taylor family, the annual blood drive is a way to remember Brent’s life, his military service and all who died while serving. Since 2021, the Red Cross and the Major Brent Taylor Foundation have partnered on Memorial Day blood drives, giving Utahns a way to observe the holiday through service to others.
“Memorial Day is a time to remember the men and women who died while serving our country,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region and a U.S. Navy veteran. “The Gold Star Family Blood Drive gives the community a meaningful way to remember that sacrifice through helping others.”
Remembering Maj. Brent Taylor Through Service
For Steve and Tammy Taylor, Memorial Day is deeply personal. It is a day to reflect on the loss of their son, Maj. Brent Taylor, and to honor all who gave their lives in service to the United States.
“For our family, Memorial Day has become especially tender,” said Steve Taylor. “It is a day to remember Brent, reflect on the courage of those who serve and honor that sacrifice in a way that helps our community.”
Maj. Taylor was on his fourth deployment in Afghanistan while on leave from his role as mayor of North Ogden. He was killed in Kabul in November 2018, becoming the first sitting elected U.S. official killed in action since the Civil War.
Schedule A Blood Donation in Maj. Taylor’s Honor
Donors can make an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor code MBTF to book an appointment for the Gold Star Family Blood Drive.
Those who come to give blood by May 31, 2026, will receive an oversized Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last. Donors who give June 1-28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card and automatic entry for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/June for more details.
About Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May to honor U.S. military personnel who died while serving the United States. The holiday was first observed nationally on May 30, 1868, and became a federal holiday in 1971.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
