Often very little goes into a name, but such is not the case with Christopher Arnold Newton Young. If he had been a girl, he would have been name Kathleen Doris Young for my mother's mother and for my mother. Both have passed on and I would have liked for a girl to carry their names forward. However, since he is a boy, a boy or man's name was required.
Chimge and I discussed names and we agreed to give him a name with meaning and one that people could say. He is after all half American and half Mongolian. Of course, with both of his parents as officers in the United States Military, a good well rounded American name was in order. Chimge gave me a lot of latitude in choosing his names. I wanted his name to reflect the values we hold and that our family has expressed through the years. Thus, I put a lot of thought into it.
I wanted him to carry forward into his life the names of men, names you would not have heard of, but who in some way had an impact on my life. Two of them, I would not be here without, they are my Grandfathers: Arnold Collins Jr and Newton Willard Young. The other has been a life long friend, who shares my values of duty, honor, country and family. One thing we all share is none of us was perfect, but that we all shared in our countries' burdens to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America in times of trouble at great risk to our lives. Thus our son will carry the name Christopher Arnold Newton Young and he will know that his name has meaning and that the men he is named after all share a bond that was forged in honored service to his nation. Regardless of what he chooses to do in his life, he will know that his family has answered the time honored tradition of service to their beloved nation.
Specialist Keith Young and Specialist Christopher Whitaker, April 10, 1991 in Germany on the way home from "The Storm", the First Gulf War, the Liberation of Kuwait. Christopher Whitaker served 10 years of Active Military Service, including multiple tours of duty in Korea, as well as with the 101st Airborne Div, 82nd Airborne Division and the 3rd Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard."
Then Cpt Arnold Collins Jr., in the mid 1950s. Photo was is in his Dress Uniform, showing a Combat Infantryman's Badge and Campaign Medals from World War II and Korea. He would go on to serve a total of 27 years and serve two more tours in Vietnam. He had a combined total of approximately 5 years of Combat service in three major wars. He retired in 1968 as a Lt Colonel.
Newton Willard Young shown here as a private (Doughboy) in his dress uniform circa 1917/18 in the First World War. On his cap is the insignia of the 167th Infantry Regiment of the 42nd Infantry Division. He was wounded in combat in France in 1918. Like many men of his generation he volunteered or was drafted and served in the Great War.
I am Keith Colin Young, Christopher's Father, I joined the Army in June of 1988. I have served in three major operations. Desert Storm 1991, Operation Iraqi Freedom (March 2004-05), (Aug05-July06) and Operation Enduring Freedom (December 07-Sept 08). I have served on both Active Duty and in the United States Army Reserves where I continue to serve as a Civil Affairs Officer. Obviously, Christopher picked up the family name from me and his mother.
2nd Lt Young Mom and Dad
Of course Christopher's story would not be complete without a mention of his incredible mother, 2nd Lt Oyunchimeg Young. The other half of a family name, his mother, without whom he would not be here. She is an immigrant to the United States of America from Mongolia. She became a citizen of this great country and in gratitude wanted to give back to her adopted country and its people. She is currently serving on active duty in the United States Air Force as an Officer.
So, what is in a name? Now you know what has gone into our son's name.
I pray that our Heavenly Father will bless him and protect him as he grows, where ever he goes and in what ever he chooses to do.
Christopher, your mother and father, your family and friends welcome you to this family and are so very happy you are here and healthy.
