When George Taylor looks back on his life, there’s one decision that stands out as the turning point: joining the Navy. College hadn’t been the right fit after two and a half years, and he knew he needed something different—something bigger. A chance conversation with a friend who was a Navy recruiter changed everything. Before long, George was embarking on what would become a 20-plus year career that shaped not only his future, but also his outlook on life.

The Navy took him far beyond what he could have imagined at the time. From the shores of Rota, Spain, to the streets of Panama City, Panama, to the bustle of Manama, Bahrain, George experienced the world in ways most people only dream about. Each station brought its own challenges, but Bahrain left the deepest mark. It was there that George became a Mason, built friendships that have endured for more than three decades, and found a sense of brotherhood that extended well beyond his years in uniform. This past July, he welcomed many of those same friends to Chateau Elan for their 30-year Masonic reunion—a celebration that proved just how lasting those Navy connections can be.

George and his wife, Angel, have lived in Chateau for 3.5 years now, and are enjoying a slower pace of life. They love mixing in a little spontaneity—like taking off on short trips—with staying involved close to home through their church and local organizations like the Chateau Elan Military Support Foundation and the Masonic Lodge. Together, they’ve found fulfillment in both community ties and the freedom to enjoy life on their own terms.

When George talks to young people about the military, he doesn’t sugarcoat it: “Just do it. See the world at someone else’s expense. It will change your life! You don’t have to stay for 20 years, but the experience is like no other.” And while his words come from his own service, they also speak to his outlook on life in general. “Life is to be lived, so go live your life like you wish to live,” he says.

It’s a philosophy that’s carried him well beyond his Navy career. What began as a search for direction turned into years of adventure, purpose, and lasting friendships. Even now, George continues to live by the same belief that shaped his service: that the best decisions are the ones that open you up to growth, connection, and a life well lived.