SSG Randall Young

Wasilla, AK

Mission Accomplished on Aug. 27, 2022

 
Randall Young had just finished college when he enlisted in the Army at the age of 24. Growing up at Fort Hood, Texas, Randall was no stranger to the military, and knew he wanted to be someone that helped Soldiers come home. He served in the Texas National Guard during his senior year of high school and the Ohio National Guard during college. Once he became active duty he served in Kuwait for two years before going on his first combat deployment to Iraq in 2003 as a cavalry scout with 1-1 Cavalry, 1st Armored Division, and then again in 2006 with the 1-4 Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division.

On Feb. 7, 2007, during his second combat deployment, SSG Young’s vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED) while supporting a dismounted patrol searching for insurgents. The blast partially ejected SSG Young through the turret before the truck landed on its roof and crushed his legs.

Once back in the United States, Randall was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio where his mom and sister were waiting for him. It was there that the doctors gave Randall the option to amputate his legs or reconstruct the bones. Randall chose to save his legs despite being told that he would never walk well, and would likely struggle with pain for the rest of his life. After two years of physical therapy, he beat the odds and took his first steps with the assistance of a cane. He continues to exercise daily to maintain the ability to walk.

Now medically retired, Randall faced many challenges in his previous home. Although Randall can walk, his injuries put pressure on his back and upper legs causing tension pains. A specially adapted custom Homes For Our Troops home enables him to shower and bathe safely without fear of falling. With widened doorways in a single-level home, Randall is able to utilize his wheelchair more often.

In his home, Randall has more time to spend on his hobbies and interact with the community. He plans on furthering his photography skills, growing a garden, and he would like to form a service dog training organization. He enjoys having a kitchen that enables him to cook.

Randall says he is grateful to HFOT’s donors and supporters for making a fresh start possible. “The house that HFOT built for me, to rebuild my life and rejoin the community, comes as such a blessing,” he says. “This is made possible only because of you, the people that have given not only monetary donations, but time, effort and care for all this country’s returning children. Thank you for giving to such a wonderful cause and organization.”

 

related articles:

  • KTUU, June 22, 2022 The organization Homes For Our Troops is donating their first home for a veteran in Alaska. The group crafts specialized homes for injured Veterans in the U.S. Read more.
  • Alaska’s News Source, Aug. 11, 2021 Randall Young enjoys living in Wasilla. A small cabin has been home since he moved to Alaska from Texas in 2018. It’s comfortable, but unfortunately not as comfortable as Young would like. Read more.