IN FOCUS: Senior Airman Amy Young

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Crystal Charriere
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Senior Airman Amy Young, 419th Fighter Wing knowledge operations manager, said she's in charge of all the "geeky stuff" on base: recall rosters, SharePoint and Air Terminal Operations Center notifications. Along with being in the Air Force Reserve, Young is mother to three young children. Public affairs recently sat down with Young to learn more about her.

Why did you join the Air Force Reserve?

I was around 10 years old when I found a picture of my dad in his service dress. I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. After high school graduation, I toyed with the thought of joining. When my dad found out, he talked me out of it. A couple of years and a child later, the thought of joining came into play again. I was a stay-at-home mom in Rexburg, Idaho - day after day, the same routine. I always felt like my life was not up to my highest expectations. I finally joined at 22 years old. My reasons for joining are because my two grandfathers, who served in World War II, and my father, who served in Vietnam, are my heroes. I want my children to have a hero as well.

What do your kids think of you being in the Reserve?

They think it's cool. I think they like it mostly for the security. As long as we live on base and I'm in the military, they know nothing bad will happen to them. They get excited when I pick them up from the youth center in uniform, and they tell everyone, "My mom's in the military!" My son says he wants to fly planes when he gets bigger; he even has an F-16 pilot action figure.

Is there anything your children do that makes you laugh?

My little girl is just learning how to talk, and she says the most random things. One time, she grabbed my hand and said, "Follow," so I followed her and we walked to the front door. Then she grabbed the doorknob and said, "Bye bye." Also, whenever we drive through the gate on base, I roll down their windows so they can wave to the gate guard. If I don't, they freak out, and if the guard doesn't wave back, they freak out, so I have to ask him to wave to them so they don't get sad.

What is it like being a mother and serving in the military?

I have it down to a science. My kids have a routine and they know when they need to do everything. You just need to remember that there are bad times, but there are a lot of good times too. Also, they're just kids and they're going to make mistakes.

What is your favorite summer activity?

I like taking my kids to the lake to spend family time together. My son can fish and my daughters can swim. It's nice.

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