Carrie E. Taft

Carrie E. Taft, from the Bronx, New York, entered basic training in the Marine Corps at Paris Island, South Carolina, in November 1979. She received training in Maryland at Aberdeen Proving Ground Infantry Weapons Repair, quickly learning to excel in this military occupational skill. 

Ms. Taft was assigned to duty at the Armory, Marine Barracks 8th in Washington, D.C. in 1980, and went on to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego, California, in 1982. There, she helped equip new recruits for their rifle training by issuing and repairing their assigned rifle for basic training. Due to her leadership and excellence in training, Ms. Taft received the Rifle Marksmanship Badge, the Pistol Sharpshooter Badge and the Good Conduct Medal. During service, she faced an unforeseen battle being courageously exposed by female and male veterans alike, and in 1983, she was honorably discharged at the rank of Lance Corporal. 

Ms. Taft currently serves her God, church, family and community as an advocate, consultant, support group facilitator and events organizer, with the mission of promoting socioeconomic empowerment. She is active with the Gethsemane Baptist Church in the Bronx, is a member of the AIDS Institute Faith Communities Project Bronx Committee, a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Bronx branch, a life member of the National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. (NABVETS) Bronx chapter, a member of the Bronx Veterans Parade Task Team, Inc., the founder of Hope And Victory Evolves (H.A.V.E.) LLC and Gateway Community Development, Inc. Ms. Taft believes and quotes, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). 

Carrie E. Taft served her country with bravery and honor and to this day gives selflessly to her community through her activism and dedication. For this, she deserves to be recognized for her hard work and devotion to her community, her state and her nation.