By Alyssa Boles
Local residents are being offered a chance to take flight in an authentic Bell “Huey” helicopter before a bridge dedication ceremony in honor of war hero Tommy D. Young this Tuesday.
Flights will be available on Tuesday from 12 to 4 p.m. at Warren County Memorial Airport. Tickets are $100 per person.
Young, a helicopter crew chief, was killed in action while on tour in Vietnam. The bridge dedication in his honor begins at 4:30 p.m.
Prior to his involvement in the United Stated Army, Young attended school at Dibrell from 1955 to 1967, and was a Wildcat junior high and varsity basketball player.
“Tommy was very athletic as a child and he knew how to fix anything without any kind of instruction,” said Michael Young, Tommy’s younger brother. “He could always figure it out.”
In 1969, Young reported for duty at Fort Campbell, Ky. His natural ability to fix anything landed him a job as a crew chief. In 1970, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Eagle in Vietnam.
In December of that year, the crew was on a dangerous mission transporting cargo when the helicopter took on fire and was struck in numerous places causing some cargo to become unstrapped.
Young went to stabilize the cargo and was struck by a 51-caliber round. He died instantly.
“Tommy had already been on 36 of those missions that flew over enemy territory before he passed away,” said Michael. “I have been in contact with many people and groups over the years that have helped me learn about my brother, and I stay in contact with many of the veterans that he served with. This bridge dedication and helicopter ride wouldn’t be possible without their help.”
Residents can take a ride in an authentic Huey helicopter just like the one Tommy spent his time in during the war. That experience is offered by Tommy’s Alpha Troop Association, the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, and the Warren County Highway Department.
Warren County Commissioners approved naming the bridge in Young’s honor. The bridge is located just prior to the Warren/ Cannon County line on New Nashville Highway.
