Recently, I asked my father, Steven Young, 10 questions about his life and life in general. Here are his answers.
Q: Who am I with today?
A: Hey, I’m Steven Young.
Q: When did you know what you wanted to do in life?
A: I ended up in government service for 36 years. It started with my best friend, Joe Reeve, from high school, and I joining the Army in 1995, and even though I got out after my first 5 years of service and started college, I went back in after September 11, 2001. So, 23 years in the military, a small break for college; I am still working for the government as a federal technical security contractor. I knew government tech was going to be a career once I earned my Green Beret in 2006.
Q: What were your grades like in high school and how did that affect your college?
A: High school:
Freshman/Sophomore in 1992 and 1993 at Capital Christian High – B’s, C’s, and D’s
Junior in 1994 at Independent Studies (forgot the school name) – All A’s
Senior in 1995 at San Juan High – A’s and B’s
After my first five years in the Army I went to Community College and earned my AA (Associate of Art), earning A’s and B’s
I am in an online college at University of Maryland (UMGC) off and on since 2011; I should finish this year. I was more prepared for college by serving in the military, but I’ve been too busy with life to easily finish. Stay dedicated! I’ll graduate in 2025!
Q: What advice do you live by? Who told you this advice?
A: In Special Forces they’d say “your reputation precedes you,” or “everybody will know your reputation.” Much was expected of us as Green Berets. Always do your best, it better be good, people are watching. If you are lame, then the reputation of all Green Berets is damaged.
Q: Who is your biggest influence/role model?
A: I think it’s Dean, my step-father. He was there for me when my father wasn’t and taught me how to be a man.
Q: Who’s always had your back?
A: Aunt Becca (for 47 years), Dean (for 35 years), Joe Reeve (for 33 years), and Ruby (for 16 years)…in that order.
Q: What parent did you lean towards more and why?
A: Dean. It took a while to realize, but you need to serve your country as he did undrafted in Vietnam. Now I am learning how to be dedicated to who you love despite how hard it may be (my mom with Alzheimer’s and dementia).
Q: What is something you have yet to accomplish on your “bucket list”?
A: Start and run a successful tech business. Federal contracting pays too well.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?
A: Having such a smart and beautiful daughter who’s a great person and ready to be an amazing American.
Q: What is a cool thing you’ve done that you never get to brag about?
A: My initial TBI (traumatic brain injury) recovery year where I was quite alone followed up by a 7 month deployment to Iraq in 2007. I focused on my recovery, exercised and worked real hard to repair my body and brain damage. The Army let me stay in the service, and I stayed in to retire with honors. I brag when I say I am a retired Green Beret, but can’t brag about how hard it was for me for a few years after my TBI.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
A: Staying important and becoming best friends with my daughter after my divorce with her mother.
