Tom Young was a true professional. He was respected and trusted in the KC-10 and around the squadron. I often sought  his perspective and even keeled advice. He’s the kind of person that makes you understand why military service is special. He will absolutely be missed…

Tom was the best. He was a great friend, a truth-teller, and a heck of a Senior NCO. My heart aches that he was taken so early. He will be missed dearly. 

Here's a toast...

I met Tom April of this year at my uncle Lewis’s 92nd Surprise Party . I could tell he wasn’t feeling well. His 12 year old son told me his plight. I watched how Tom, despite what he was going through, toughened up to be present for the party. He soothed and comforted his 4 year old son who was  having a hard day despite feeling under the weather himself. I witnessed the love he had for his children and the love they had for him. It was all so bittersweet. I could tell he was a kind sweet good human being….Such a Tragedy…

Tom, It breaks my heart that you were taken so unexpectedly, your memory will never leave us and live long in our hearts. You will be missed. Rest in peace 

I met Tom October 31st 2020. I've known sissy since she was a little girl. I had heard so much about Tom to finally meet him, I told Sissy wow! what a great guy he is. The love he showed Sissy and his kids was incredible.  I heard all about his talents of drawing and building 
any projects you asked him to do . To see them In person I was in awe. I thought I'm so happy Sissy had someone who adored her and loved there kids. RIP Tom

You will always be remembered
No matter what.
Your presence, love and kindness
Will forever be with us.
Rest for now until we meet again.

We love you Tom.




Where do I start.. my dear brother in law I still remember the day I met you. You asked if I had a sister, I giggled and said yes I do. Who knew at that point you would be part of my life my family. You gave me four beautiful nephews that I kept asking for, you gave my little sister a life she could have never imagined and for that I am truly grateful. 
You always made me laugh, you always amazed me with your  achievements  in the military and I loved how you cared for my sister and my nephews. 
The title brother in law will never come again in my life as you will always be the first and the last no one can replace you. Until we meet again Rest In Peace xoxo


Tom we our at loss. You were a good husband to my daughter and the very best dad to my grandkids. You brought so much joy to our family. You will never be forgotten and remain in our hearts. You are my son in law for eternity. What makes us go on as I know you are with your beautiful mom. RIP Tom. Until we meet again son. 

Tom was a brilliant artist and craftsman. He could draw anything. He sketched squadron logos, designed an arcade game facade for the squadron heritage room, created some amazing tattoos (I think Sissy has a couple), and even baked a three-layer cake with custom decoration for a squadron event. I couldn’t believe the realistic yet artful designs and portraits he could produce. Amazing. As a craftsman, he could build anything. He and Larry Robinson practically re-built the entire heritage room, especially the bar, by hand. Custom stuff too. Incredible.

	Tom was a servant-leader. Tom was one of those guys you had to watch out for because his commitment to duty was unyielding. He was almost always the first in the office and often the last to leave. He poured all of his talent, his intelligence, and his sheer force of will into solving problems and managing squadron issues. He almost single-handedly identified, tracked, and proved that a resource shortfall was hurting squadron personnel. That shortfall had been getting worse for years, but it was tough to completely identify and diagnosis, hence it’s persistence. But the issue was no match for Tom. By the time he was done, higher-headquarters had to acknowledge the mistake, and the lives of Tom’s folks started to get better. But his commitment to service focused leadership didn’t end there. No task was above his position in the squadron. Tom was always the first to grab a broom or a mop and stay late to clean the squadron after an event. He was the guy who would take the trash out, clean-up, and never bat an eye.

	Tom’s faith, through medical struggles that kept him from flying during his last years on active duty, through tough times in the squadron, through cancer, inspired me. Even more so, I came to rely on his council, not just professionally, but personally. He was one-in-a-million. I’ll miss him.

I served with Tom when we were both assigned to the 32d Air Refueling Squadron. I was the Commander of the squadron and Tom was the Chief Flight Engineer. He helped build a team rooted in trust and earned the respect of his teammates. He was one of the finest, if not the finest, SNCO I’ve ever worked with.

	Tom was hilarious. He had a dry, piercing wit that could dissolve tension in a room, end arguments, and generally leave people in stitches. He was patient too. He’d go above-and-beyond for a joke. One week, while Tom was the acting superintendent of the squadron, I made my way down the main office hall to round-up a few last minute stragglers. Usually, Tom was already in the squadron auditorium, ready to “call the room.” This time, I found him at his desk, almost gleefully putting something together. I couldn’t tell what it was. I asked, “Hey Tom, ready to go?” He replied, “I’ll be ready in just a minute, sir.” I made some small talk with a few other folks in the hall while I waited. A few moments later he strode out of his office and we made our way to the meeting. The meeting was uneventful. However, when it came time for Tom to wrap-up the meeting with closing his comments, he stood up, and quite nonchalantly said, “Ok folks, I know it’s Monday, but I just have a couple of things …” and then he flopped out this notepad he had disassembled and reassembled with scotch tape so that it unfurled to be about five feet long and hit the floor with a thud. It was hilarious. I laughed so hard. It wasn’t just the joke, it was Tom’s commitment to it. He must of put that thing together for 30 minutes in his office early Monday morning, all for just a few laughs. That was the guy he was though. He always tried to make the team feel at home. He’d do anything to brighten our days.

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Gunz, (I choose to believe you are reading this)
We grew up as young adults together in the USAF.  You were calm and cool on the surface but you also had the edgy intensity like no other.  You were my best friend, my brother, my family.   You are one of the Greatest people I have had in my life.  I truly regret not reconnecting our families.  I wish I had more time....  I wish we had more time with you.  My heart breaks for your family and part of me died with you.  I'm so sorry Gunz.  I love you man!

I served with Tom at Aviano, Italy in 2009-2010. This was my first base and at the time I was definitely an impressionable airmen.  I still tell stories to this day about his leadership to my airmen to help understand what a REAL NCO looks like. I recall one time in Aviano, I had walked into our work center one day and saw TSgt Young mopping the floor. This was simply unheard of in that environment. I quickly ran over to him and grabbed for the mop but he said to me, "never ask anyone to do anything you wouldn't do yourself" and continued. That is one of many memories that stick with me and I share when mentoring others. He was an incredible person and even just the little things he did has sent ripples across the entire Air Force and all of us carry a part of those memories. You will be missed, rest in peace brother.

Tom was the kind of guy who would know what to do in any situation. Whether you needed an expert, advice, a joke, or a friend, Tom was the go to for so many people. 

His light burned bright. He had such a positive impact on so many lives. I’m so sorry for your loss.

I remember serving with Tom at Travis AFB. We were in the 6 ARS together. I remember him being a compassionate leader always caring for and advocating for his fellow Flight Engineers.  He embodied the “People First, Mission Always” balance answering our nation’s call. God bless you Tom. 
“Here’s a Toast…”

-Nikki Foster

Tom and I were flying partners in a class of 2 for KC-10 Instructor Upgrade/Re-qual.  It was a great time because Tom was so quick on the uptake!  I can say with confidence that I’ve never met a young NCO more brilliant and competent than Tom.  I felt comforted that the enlisted aircrew management was in great hands.  His loss will have repercussions on many levels.  God give comfort to the loved ones who remain.  I’ll remember him the rest of my days.

I’m so sorry for the Young family’s loss! I worked with Tom in the 32d ARS. He would make coffee in the morning and let me know it was ready. He came to my office on occasion to pour a cup for me but would never accept any money for the coffee I drank every day.

Tom, I am honored to have known you and work with you!

You’re with God now but I know you’re looking down at Sissy and your sons and smiling! I’ll miss you!

Regards,
Cheryl Higgins 

I had the honor of serving alongside Young (Gunz) at Nellis early in both of our careers. He was an incredible artist and a kind, thoughtful human being. The shop we worked in all became FAMILY. He was a huge part of that. Seems that the very best of us leave this earth too early. My thoughts will remain with his family and friends in this difficult time. Wishing you strength and peace. 

I didn't know Tom well, but do know he was a very good man. I can only pray for healing and comfort for his entire family.  Good friends with his in laws and I know he was raising his kids to be great.. I am saddened for all of you. May GOD find comfort for you.

All my love, strong uplifting prayers for you and your family! May He & Tom ALWAYS guide & protect you and the boys! XOXO’s

I met Sissy and the boys before I had met Tom. And when I met Tom, I saw where the boys got it from, their spirit, their humor and energy.  We would sit outside and watch all the kids play.  Yell at cars for speeding and just hangout and talk. 
I’ll keep watching our kids play together and yelling at cars for you bud. 

Tom was a one of a kind guy. I honestly wouldn't be here without his influence in my life during one of the toughest times I've ever had in my time in the Air Force. He was always there to listen and always had my back. When I'd start to feel like giving up he'd have words of encouragement to keep me going. The world lost one of it's best humans. Rest in peace brother. 

OBITUARIO

Thomas Campbell Young

25 junio, 1979 – 12 agosto, 2021

Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery

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