Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Eleanor Taylor served 27 years in the Canadian Armed Forces in the combat arms branch, building a career defined by responsibility for others in demanding environments. Her service culminated in a historic milestone during Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.
In 2010, while deployed to Kandahar, Taylor became the only woman at the time to command a NATO infantry combat subunit in theatre. As Officer Commanding Charles Company in Panjwayi district, she led sustained combat operations in one of the mission’s most volatile regions. The role required constant judgment — balancing mission success with the safety and morale of her soldiers. Her leadership demonstrated that combat credibility rests on competence, preparation, and trust rather than gender. Her service was recognized with appointment to the Order of Military Merit, and the awarding of the Meritorious Service Medal.
Her connection to Afghanistan remained deeply personal. A friend and colleague of Captain Nichola Goddard, Taylor has remained a strong supporter of the Nichola Goddard Fund, helping preserve the legacy of Canada’s first female combat casualty and supporting initiatives assisting military members and their families.
When Afghanistan fell in 2021, Taylor again stepped forward. Serving as volunteer operations officer for the veteran-led humanitarian coalition, the Afghan Strategic Evacuation Team (ASET), and then as Chief of Staff for the newly established not-for-profit organization Aman Lara, she coordinated efforts to help evacuate Afghans who had supported Canada’s mission. Working across time zones and agencies, she helped drive a veteran-organized operation that brought many at-risk individuals to safety — continuing a responsibility she felt did not end when the mission officially closed.
Her commitment to service also shaped her involvement with the True Patriot Love Foundation. Beginning as a volunteer, she later became Lead of Community Engagement and Advocacy, helping ensure veteran voices anchor the organization’s initiatives.
A strong advocate for women veterans, Taylor served on Veterans Affairs Canada’s inaugural Women Veterans Council and provided testimony to the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs study that resulted in the report Invisible No More. The Experiences of Canadian Women Veterans. Her focus has consistently been practical — ensuring policy reflects lived experience.
Today Taylor continues supporting serving members, veterans, and families, guided by a leadership philosophy formed in uniform: service is not defined by rank or employment but by responsibility to others.
Taylor was nominated by Captain (Navy) (Retired) Andrea Siew, Esprit de Corps Women in Defence Award recipient (2022)
