A smiling portrait of Bill Young – flanked by flowers - looked out on the audience at his funeral service. One could almost detect a twinkle in his eye as he was remembered for creating the national bone marrow registry and his unwavering support for biomedical research.
Yet what was mentioned most was his dedication and personal support of the military – especially wounded combat troops.Marine CPL Josh Callihan – listed as a member of the Young family – credits the congressman and his wife Beverly for his recovery from a spinal injury.
"It’s a strange thing to owe your life to somebody", Callihan said. "I didn’t know how to repay what had been given to me what had been done for me."
Callihan was one of countless wounded troops visited by the Youngs at Walter Reed in Bethesda and at medical centers at home and around the world as retold by former Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England.
"I know that bill would want me to say to the military that he loves so much", England said. "He would want me to say God Bless to all those who serve especially the wounded and their families and the fallen and all who stand the watch of the day."
England then proceeded to read a letter of condolence from former President George W. Bush that noted Young’s unrelenting support of the military.
"He knew that they deserved the best equipment and care our country could possibly offer", said England, "and he honored our veterans with the same devotion."
One need look no further than MacDill Air Force Base the joint commands – CENTCOM and SOCCOM to measure the tangibles of the senior congressman says State Rep. Ed Hooper
"Bill young - with what he has done with MacDill AFB to keep that open and with putting the world center of national defense. He is clearly that person that we owe that gratitude to", Hooper said.
There are countless veterans who can personally thank Congressman Young and his staff for helping with paperwork snafus at the VA – among them is Randall McNabb – a Vietnam veteran and local leader of the Patriot Guard Riders which were part of the funeral escort.
"I first contacted bill young in 1977", McNabb remembered. "No more letters."
Young served nine years in the Army National Guard and six more years in the Reserves. Yet at his funeral – it was members of the US Marine Corps who carried his casket and formed the honor guard. And Marine Corps Commandant - Gen. James Amos – was selected to represent all branches of the military.
"He knew that a military life was full of challenges, hardship and sacrifice", Amos said. "He made a point of stepping and helping our young men and women and their families whenever and wherever it was necessary."
Gen. Amos said Young will be remembered for his fidelity to the men and women who served and are serving - adding that he exemplified the Marine Corps values.
"Just an hour ago I was privileged to make Chairman young an honorary us marine", Amos said. "He was most certainly there in spirit."
And in a final tribute – it was a Marine who extended his sympathies and handed Congressman Young’s widow Beverly the folded American Flag that had draped his casket.