|
FORT MCPHERSON, Ga. (July 10, 2009) - On July
2, Robert Young was promoted to the rank of colonel and designated
as the Third Army/U.S. Army Central, Logistics plans, exercises,
programs and policy (PEPP) chief. What appeared to be a momentous
occasion celebrated by family and friends, held deeper meaning to a
man whose career has been anything but average.
Over the years, Young has strived to achieve the highest level
of success, even when faced with adversity and challenges. His
journey has been defined by one word: perseverance.
In 1979, he was a high school dropout with a General Education
Degree in hand, searching for his path in life. After visiting a
recruiter in Erie, Penn., he packed his bag and headed off to basic
and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga.
As an 11 Bravo, Infantryman, he would head to Ft. Carson, Colo.
to serve with the 4th Infantry Division. This was the type of
discipline he felt he needed.
His first assignment taught him a lot, Young said. It was very
unique, he added.
"I got out after serving three years on active duty," Young
said. "I joined the 11th Special Forces Group in the reserves and
realized that I wanted to go back on active duty in the
airborne."
With the attitude that sums up who he is, Young not only earned
his jump wings while serving in the Army Reserve, he also graduated
in 1985 as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was awarded a
Regular Army commission after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree
from the University of Maryland.
Over the years, his desire to go airborne turned into him
seeking more and more to hone his skills as a Soldier. He now holds
an Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, U.S. Master Parachutist
Badge, and the German, Canadian and Honduran Master Parachutist
Badges and the Ranger Tab.
Young advanced through the ranks as an officer up until his time
for promotion to colonel came. As a result of an adverse officer
efficiency report (OER) he had hit a speed bump on his way to
colonel that looked as though it might put the brakes on his
movement through the ranks.
Once again he would be faced with a moment in his life where the
determination and drive to succeed embedded deep inside of him
would push him to persevere.
Instead of giving up or becoming disheartened, he took it as a
challenge and worked through the system the Army has in place and
didn't give up. He filed an appeal to the Officer Special Review
Board that resulted in the determination that the OER was unjust,
inaccurate and invalid. The OSRB directed it be removed from the
record and a Special Selection Board (SSB) be convened. He
continued to be the above-average Soldier, a true professional,
giving his all on a daily basis.
It finally paid off for him, some two years after the initial
appeal. While serving in Kuwait during Third Army/USARCENT's
exercise Lucky Warrior he received notification via email of the
results of the Special Selection Board.
Young was getting ready to brief Gen. Anne E. Dunwoody,
Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command.
"I knew Gen. Dunwoody when she was a major," Young said. "It was
great to be able to show her the letter I had just received
announcing that my promotion to colonel was approved and that it
was back dated two years to 1 AUG 2007."
Being promoted to colonel confirmed his sense that the Army is a
good institution and that ultimately the right things happen, he
said.
Young's father and wife Sally pinned on his new rank as his five
children watched.
His father is a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.
"Having my Dad pin his eagles on me was the capstone or
highlight of it all," he said. "I was tremendously happy my parents
could be there."
Those he has worked alongside have also been inspired by his
leadership.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Timothy Fahey, Third Army/USARCENT
Mobility Officer, experienced firsthand the type of leader Young is
when his mother fell ill last year. Fahey went home to care for his
mother who was fighting a battle with cancer. While there, she
passed away and Young was instrumental in pushing through his
emergency leave, ensuring Fahey could focus on his family.
"He's a great leader," Fahey said. "There's no problem too big
or too small. He always takes time to address the issues and helps
you get through it."
In regards to his journey up to this point in his Army career,
his advice to others is to never give up. He has passed this
message on to his son who will be attending Marquette University in
the fall with a Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship.
The message Young leaves for Soldiers is to always look
forward.
"Persistence is the key to success in the Army," Young said. "If
you want to go to jump school, you may have to fill out a 4187 five
times before you get it. That fifth time might just make the
difference. Don't give up."
"Know what your goals are and drive on," he said. "Whether it is
to get a college degree, earn a commission, or become a sergeant
major, drive on. Mentally, physically, and spiritually work to
improve yourself every day and good things will happen….with God
all things are possible."
|
