Hohenfels Army Airfield dedicates conference room to late airfield manager

U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria:

"USAG BAVARIA — HOHENFELS, Germany - Staff of Hohenfels Army Airfield held a dedication Nov. 4, 2026 of their base operations building conference room to honor their late airfield manager, who died December 2025.

The room is now named after Quentin E. Young, whose official Army portrait looks out over the tiered seating from a newly installed corner shelf.

“It was just a real blessing to have been able to work besides such a professionally accomplished and competent person but also a friend,” said Robert A. Elam, the airfield tower chief and interim manager. “I just admired him in so many different ways. He had such technical knowledge in a lot of areas.”

Elam met Young, whom he and others affectionately call “Q,” in 1996 air traffic control school at Fort Rucker, Alabama. When Elam joined the team at Hohenfels, Young acted as a mentor.

“Though he was confident and steadfast in a lot of his decisions, he was willing to listen and hear you out if you had a difference of opinion,” Elam said. “He really, really cared for everybody. Everybody that was on the team, he really, really wanted to get the best for them.”

Many of Young’s former colleagues took part in the ceremony to remember their friend and colleague.

Young, who was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and grew up in Baltimore, joined the Army Reserves and later became an active-duty service member in civil affairs before pursuing a career in air traffic control.

After retiring from active duty, Young came to Hohenfels as a safety manager in 2019, becoming the airfield manager in 2022 after serving as interim manager beginning in 2020.

Below the portrait is a framed display, constructed as a going-away gift for Young, who, prior to his death, had accepted a promotion as division chief for the airfields at Stuttgart and Wiesbaden, Germany. Young had already packed out his Hohenfels office and was coordinating the transition with his new organization.

The going-away display reads: “The Tower Crew extends its deepest appreciation for your devoted service, unwavering dedication, and exemplary leadership as the Hohenfels Army Airfield Manager.

“For over six years, you have served as a leader, mentor, and steadfast supporter.

“We are grateful for the way you consistently placed the need of others above your own, while shielding us from unnecessary burdens and unwarranted criticism.

“Your guidance, integrity, and care for the team have left a lasting impact.

“You will be greatly missed, and we wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.”

Besides this display is a plaque memorializing Young in the following words:

“Quentin will always be remembered as an open-minded, warm-hearted colleague, a true friend, and a dedicated leader. Firm in his decisions and focused on the mission, he inspired and motivated his team.

“Not a day goes by without us sharing stories and memories of him. His spirit, leadership, and friendship will always remain part of our team.

“Gone but never forgotten, always one of us.”