Bay Pines National Cemetery Employee Prevents Veteran Suicide, Recognized by VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs

“I am humbled and honored to have been nominated for this award,” offered Young. “The event that took place leading to my nomination was a stressful and very emotional event; however, knowing that the Veteran received the help he needed to continue living his life gives me a solemn sense of happiness and pride.”

Ten months ago, Young helped save a Veteran’s life. It also earned him a nomination for the National Cemetery Administration Outstanding Team Member of the Year.

Young finished second, and the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, U.S. Army retired Maj. Gen. Matthew Quinn, traveled to Bay Pines to present Young with his finalist plaque and offer his congratulations.

“This is one of our opportunities to recognize staff who go above and beyond. Patrick’s care of a Veteran who was in a bad situation is where I think the true nature of humanity comes through,” Quinn said. “I’m glad that I got to extend my personal thanks to Patrick for taking the time to understand what the Veteran was going through and to get him connected to the help he needed. What he did is truly remarkable.”

Last summer, Young took a phone call in his office at the cemetery. On the other end was a Veteran in crisis. Young, who had recently transferred from Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, immediately recognized the Veteran he was speaking with was suicidal. As they spoke, both men realized they had a friendship with another Veteran buried at Bay Pines National Cemetery. Over the course of the next 30 minutes, Young was able to build a bond of trust with the Veteran that resulted in him providing details on his location and accepting help.

“The prevention of Veteran suicide remains a top priority across VA,” said Bay Pines National Cemetery Director Douglas Maddox, also a military Veteran. “Patrick’s actions are a reminder that although we may not know when a call like he had might happen, we must be ready to take the lead and be there for our brothers and sisters when they need us most.”

The National Cemetery Administration’s Human Capital Management Office of Workforce Relations featured Young and the steps he took to prevent the Veteran suicide this past November.

“I try to make a difference in every Veteran’s life with every new opportunity; this is certainly a Veteran who I will remember for the rest of my life,” added Young. “I thank everyone involved that day who helped to keep this hurting Veteran from succumbing to his emotional pain.”

Young, who is the son of Ms. Beverly Young and the late Florida Congressman C. W. Bill Young, is the first Bay Pines National Cemetery employee to receive a nomination for Outstanding Team Member of the Year.

To view photos from the recognition, please click here.