On July 2, Robert Young was promoted to the rank of colonel and designated as the U.S. Army Central Logistics, Plans, Exercises, Programs and Policy 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 drop-out 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 Fort Carson, Colo., to serve with the 4th Infantry Division. This was the type of discipline he felt he needed.
His unique first assignment taught him a lot, Young said.
"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 an Army commission after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland.
Over the years, his desire to go airborne led him to hone his skills as a Soldier. He now holds an Air Assault Badge; Pathfinder Badge; U.S. Master Parachutist Badge; the German, Canadian and Honduran Master Parachutist Badges; and the U.S. Army Ranger Tab.
Young advanced through the ranks as an officer until his time for promotion to colonel. As a result of an adverse officer efficiency report (OER) in 2007, he had hit a speed bump on his way to colonel that looked as though it might halt his movement through the ranks.
Once again, he would be faced with a moment in his life where his determination and drive to succeed would push him to persevere.
Instead of giving up or becoming disheartened, Young said he accepted the challenge and worked through the system. He filed an appeal to the Officer Special Review Board
and successfully argued that the OER was unjust, inaccurate and invalid. The OSRB directed it be removed from the record and ordered a Special Selection Board to be convened.
Two years after the initial appeal, while serving in Kuwait during USARCENT's exercise Lucky Warrior, he received notification of the results of the SSB.
Young was getting ready to brief Gen. Anne E. Dunwoody, commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command, when he got the news.
"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."
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 wife, Sally, and his father, Robert, (a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves) pinned on his new rank as his five children watched.
"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."
Coworkers say Young has inspired them with his leadership and commitment on his journey to colonel.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Timothy Fahey, USARCENT mobility officer, says he experienced first-hand the type of leader Young is when his mother fell ill last year. Fahey went home to care for his mother due to her battle with cancer. While there, she passed away, Fahey said, 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 Army career, Young's 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.
Young said he also wants Soldiers to always look forward in their career.
"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 (DA Form) 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," Young added. "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."
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