A Tampa F-16 pilot -- killed in a crash April 3, 2013 while deployed in Afghanistan -- is the focus of a TV series called Brush of Honor which airs tonight at 9 on the INSP Network.
The episode features Air Force Captain James Steel who was born in Tampa while his father, retired Major Gen. Robert Steel, flew F-16s at MacDill Air Force Base.
Brush of Honor follows professional artist Phil Taylor as he visits with Steel's family, friends and colleagues and then paints a portrait of the 29-year old Air Force Academy graduate killed in action. The television show culminates with the special presentation of the portrait to the family.
"When the artist is able to put his heart and soul into the image with every brush," Robert Steel said, "actually creating the essence of a person, it's just captivating."
Taylor has painted more than 180 portraits of America’s fallen heroes and hand-delivered them to surviving family members throughout the country. It's his way to "honor the sacrifice of our military heroes and offer a heartfelt ‘thank you’ on behalf of a grateful nation.”
You can find the INSP Network channel on your TV by entering your zip code and television provider here.
