Jon Marie Pearson, front row, right, and her four children, attend ceremony honoring her late husband (Photo: Paul Bello)

FORT BELVOIR, VA – As founder and artist of The American Fallen Soldiers Project, Phil Taylor has the unique gift of turning personal loss into something meaningful and comforting.

Taylor has presented a framed original portrait of Capt. Andrew Pearson to his widow, Jon Marie, and their four children during a heartfelt ceremony at Fort Belvoir, Va.

`While holding back tears, Mrs. Pearson thanked Taylor and said the portrait of her late husband was a remarkable way of remembering a man who loved so many people.

Pearson, a 2001 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, died April 30, 2008 in Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The family recently moved to Dumfries, Va. in an effort to be closer to him and Jon Marie has begun work as a volunteer helping other military spouses through Belvoir’s Survivor Outreach Services.

Taylor said it’s his goal to memorialize soldiers who have died while protecting the freedoms of so many others. Since August 2007, he has captured the appearance and personality of more than 70 soldiers on canvas and said every stroke is done with passion.

“I have a deep appreciation for heroes like Captain Pearson. It’s my hope that I represent that appreciation, as well as their service and sacrifice to our country,” Taylor said. “Soldiers rise to a level of humanity that no one will ever really comprehend. They give so much to us and I’m honored when families allow me to speak on their behalf.”

Taylor said The American Fallen Soldiers Project was born out of a family tragedy that occurred in May 2007. After a close friend of his daughter’s was killed in a motorcycle accident, Taylor painted a portrait of the young man and presented it to his family before his funeral. After receiving a hug from the young man’s father, Taylor knew his life had changed.

He contacted a long time friend whose brother had been killed while serving in Iraq. Taylor remembered the outpouring of patriotism during the funeral, but at the time didn’t know how to help. After the experience with his daughter’s friend, he decided to put his talents to work and restore the memory the young Soldier on canvas. He’s been bringing comfort and peace to military families ever since.

“I’ve been doing this now for four years and have 260 requests pending. We make ourselves available to all branches of the military, but we do have a razor focus on the Army,” Taylor said. “The experience for me is extremely rewarding. I’ve developed a personal relationship with many families and have a sense of loyalty to them. Nothing comes close to a feeling like that.”

Taylor said he spends roughly 75 hours on an individual black and white portrait and that there’s absolutely no cost to families. He only needs pictures of their loved ones to get started.

“The way I see it, families have given so much already,” Taylor said. “They don’t owe anyone anything.”