MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_NOVEMBER 1, 2013
Congressman C.W. Bill Young
Bill Young was born in Harmarville, Pennsylvania, on December 16, 1930 and moved to Florida at the age of 15 along with his Mother and brother.
Bill devoted his life to public service and what made the difference in his life was the fact he served in the Army National Guard from 1948-1957 obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant.
Florida Veterans lost a close friend on October 18, 2013 when Congressman Charles William “Bill” Young passed away at Bethesda Medical Hospital, Maryland.
Shortly after his passing I received an email asking if I would be part of a small Patriot Guard Riders escort contingent for the Congressman. I couldn’t say yes fast enough.
It was my honor and also I knew it was the right thing to do knowing full well what Congressman Young had done for those of us who have served in the United States Military, some of whom were killed and/or injured during their time in service.
Congressman Young and his lovely wife Beverly always took time out of their lives to help any and all veterans. I have been in several PGR escorts for KIAs (killed in action) which came into MacDill Air Force Base where the Young’s were also in the escort.
Congressman Young was instrumental in almost all of the legislation involving those who served in the military for the 53 years he was involved in politics.
He consistently passed bills which gave the military the best training and equipment possible for their safety. Several times he fought proposals to shut down MacDill Air Force, Tampa, which would have decimated the local economy and the overall fight against global terror. Congressman Young was also instrumental in securing funding for a new hospital at Bay Pines (St. Petersburg).
If you are a veteran and in the Bay Pines System you can thank Bill Young for what we have.
Hopefully by the time you read this column the VA Hospital in St. Petersburg will have been renamed the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
As far as my participation in the escort, it went without any problems due to the local law enforcement community and patient drivers between Moss Feaster Funeral Home (Largo) and the Bill Young Armed Forces Reserve Center (Pinellas Park).
Things which were very important to Bill were serving his country and taking care of his family.
On October 24, the Honorable Congressman C.W. Bill Young was interred near the American Flag at the Bay Pines National Cemetery. Rest in Peace Congressman Young and thank you for all you did for this countries veteran. I also want to thank Beverly for helping Bill understand his and your callings in life. God Bless you and the entire family from all veterans.
Should you have any comments and/or suggestions please email me at PGRTerry@gmail.com.
Have a great weekend and remember; “It’s not about the war, it’s about the warriors.”
God Bless America and all those who serve to protect us.
Terry Longpre