November 11, 2026
For Taylor Collins, a senior Athletic Training and Sports Medicine major at ETBU, the words of Isaiah 6:8 serve as a reminder of what it means to answer a calling through service and sacrifice for our country. This Veterans Day, ETBU recognizes Collins and every individual who has answered the call to serve our country.
Known mostly on campus as a student athletic trainer, Collins also served in the United States Marine Corps for four years. Growing up in a family with several members who served in the military, Collins is familiar with the discipline and commitment that come alongside military life. After graduating high school, he quickly recognized that he needed direction before pursuing a college education. Since he was not quite ready for that next step, Collins recognized that military service would provide the growth he needed.
One of the most memorable experiences of Collins' military service was his six-month deployment to Japan. After months of training and preparation, he finally had the opportunity to put everything into practice while serving alongside his fellow Marines.
"If it were not for the Marine Corps, I would not be who I am today," Collins said. “The military helped me develop the discipline and mental fortitude that continues to carry me through life.”
Above everything else, Collins appreciates how much his time in the military helped him mature.
"19-year-old me would not have done well in college, but 19-year-old me in the military had to grow up real quick," Collins said. “And I think that's helped me out a lot in becoming a man and progressing as a person.”
Now 26 and a senior, that growth poured over into Collins’ college experience. While transitioning out of military service and adjusting to civilian life presented challenges, Collins said his experience at ETBU has provided a foundation that has helped him through the process.
"Being at this Christian institution has helped me stay grounded in my faith and has helped me stay grounded as a person and continue to push forward as a veteran reacclimating to the real world," Collins said. "If I had not been in school at this time, I could have just as easily lost myself and lost who I was.”
One Scripture that has continued to encourage Collins is Isaiah 6:8. The verse asks, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" to which Isaiah responds, "Here am I. Send me!" For Collins, those words not only motivated him during his time in the military, but they also continue to encourage him as he pursues his degree and a future career as an athletic trainer.
Collins chose athletic training for two reasons. “My dad, who I grew up watching in the training room, and my love for working within athletics and being involved with their teams. I would love to work in professional hockey one day.”
Rather than seeking individual acknowledgment, Collins hopes Veterans Day always serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of service members.
"I try not to use it as a personal recognition day," Collins said. “I see it as an opportunity for me to recognize the veterans that I served with, the ones who came before me, and the ones that helped shape the military that we know today."