‘89er Parade Marshal Announced

Guthrie’s 89er Committee has chosen the Parade Marshal for this year’s 89er Parade: Private First Class Andrew “Taylor” Goddard of the United States Army.

Private Taylor has already demonstrated a profound commitment to his country, a trait deeply ingrained in his family’s history of service. He is a 2020 Guthrie High School graduate and was involved in the schools’ JROTC program. He also worked on robotics and the Raider teams at the high school. His commitment to service extended beyond the school grounds, volunteering over 1,000 hours to community service, an endeavor that earned him the prestigious Presidential Bronze Award for Service in his senior year.

After finishing high school, Taylor wasted no time in continuing his journey of service, reporting to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) just four days after his last day of school. His dedication and resilience were evident as he moved quickly through basic training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma, and his subsequent achievements in Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at the same facility. Taylor’s exceptional performance did not go unnoticed; he was honored as Soldier of the Month at Fort Campbell and demonstrated his remarkable capabilities by completing Air Assault School in a single attempt.

The roots of Taylor’s unwavering dedication to service can be traced back to his family. His parents, Andy and Vangie Goddard, both Guthrie High School graduates, are well-known in the Guthrie community. Andy has been at the helm of Joe Goddard Enterprises for over two decades, specializing in mass notification systems that have safeguarded lives across the United States. Vangie has devoted 26 years to shaping young minds in early and elementary education, and she is currently leading the Gifted and Talented program for Guthrie Public Schools.

Taylor’s lineage of service extends beyond his immediate family. He follows in the footsteps of his great-grandfather and great-uncle who served in the Navy and Army, respectively. His second great-uncle, Lt. Commander Dr. Marvin Chamberlin, was a respected Army Chaplain, and his second greataunt continues to honor their family’s legacy through her involvement in the Daughters of the American Revolution.