Sometimes when we need direction, we plead, “Show me a sign!” For this army veteran, there was a literal sign that read “Join the army. Earn college money.” As a young man unclear of his future, David decided this was sound advice. So after visiting the recruiting office, an assurance of no outstanding warrants, and a perfect score on the aptitude test, he signed the dotted line and pledged to serve his country for two years plus training. Knowing that Noriega had just been removed from Panama, David predicted his time would be conflict-free and he could “get in and get out.”
However, exactly one year after he boarded a plane to basic training, this young soldier found himself on another flight, deployed to serve in Operation Desert Storm. Despite the tense environment, Private First Class Young shares that he was excited to use his training in a combat situation.
Trained with the artillery as a forward observer, PFC Young drove an armored vehicle alongside tanks. Because the artillery has such a long-distance capability, it is not possible to see where it lands. Therefore, PFC Young was the “eyes” of the artillery. Through this vision, Young learned the value of working with a team and gained a new respect for our military’s strength. With his first grandchild arriving next year, he now personally understands the honor of having served his country to ensure freedoms for all future Americans.
PFC Young honored his commitment to his country and later completed his degree. Today he continues to fight injustice through his work in cybersecurity. “The army helped me grow up and reset. It gave me the opportunity to appreciate this country and what we have. And I am grateful each time I see a flag.”