BG Ronald D. Young
Commanded - 2000-2002
Born December 10, 1946
General Young was born in Staunton, Va. He grew up in Augusta County near Staunton and graduated from Buffalo Gap High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Bridgewater College and a Master of Science degree in Health/Physical Education from James Madison University. General Young resides and operates a grazing/livestock farm outside of Staunton, Va. He is a public high school educator and coach. His wife, Linda, and he have two children, Eric and Angela, who are both married, and one grandson, Cole.
His military education includes the U.S. Army Reserve Component Officer Candidate School, 1973; Infantry Officer Basic Course, 1974; Finance Officer Basic Course, 1975; Automated Data Processing Systems Analysis Correspondence Course, 1975; Finance Officer Advance Course, 1978; Infantry Officer Advance Course, 1980; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, 1986; Reserve Component National Security Issues Course, 1987; RC Retention Management Course, 1988; U.S. Army Master Fitness Trainer Course, 1990; U.S. Army War College, 1996; National War College Capstone, 2002.
General Young enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard on Dec 3, 1969 and advanced to the rank of Specialist E-5. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Chemical Corp, on 3 August 1973. His first assignments were Detachment Commander, 28th Div Finance Detachment and Assistant Finance Officer, HHC, 116th Infantry Brigade (Sep). In October 1976, he assumed command of HHC, 116th Infantry (Sep) where he served for five years. He remained in the 116th Brigade (Sep) until August 1985 serving as Assistant S-3 Air and Finance Officer. He was then assigned as the Brigade S-1 for the 2nd Brigade, 29th Infantry Division (Light).
In October 1986, he was assigned Battalion Executive Officer of the 183rd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade. He assumed command of the Battalion in January 1988 and served in that capacity until April 1993. He then returned the Headquarters, 2nd Brigade to serve as the Brigade S-1. He commanded the Infantry Training Detachment from April 1995 to May 1996. He then served at the State Area Command as LNO, OTE Team Chief from June 1996 to June 1997 and Post Mobilization Officer from July 1997 to September 1997. He assumed command of the 183rd Regiment (RTI) from October 1997 to September 2000. In October 2000, he assumed command of the 1st Brigade, 29th Infantry Division (Light) and served in that capacity until March 11, 2002 when he was assigned to his current position as STARC Commander for the Virginia Army National Guard.
General Young’s military decorations and awards include the Meritorious Service Medal; the Army Achievement Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters; the National Defense Service Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Virginia Commendation Medal with three gold dogwood blossoms; and the Virginia Service Medal with bronze dogwood blossom.
The General’s civic affiliations include the National Guard Association of the United States, the Virginia National Guard Officer’s Association, the Virginia National Guard Enlisted Association, and the U.S. Army War College Alumni Association. He is also a member of the National Education Association, the Virginia Education Association, and the Virginia High School League Coaches Association.
Back to Regiment Commanders
Courtesy of the 116th Infantry Regiment Foundation, Inc.
Last Updated March 11, 2005
Copyright 2005