by Beth Young
HTT staff
Closing the gap between hundreds of miles, the technology of the Hill video teleconference center Monday brought together retired Col. Earl Young, and Scott AFB, Ill., where a conference room was named in his honor.

The 91-year-old Salt Lake City resident was the first commander of the 18th Air Force, then located at Donaldson AFB, S.C. and now located at Scott. He served in this position from March to May of 1951, before becoming the Assistant Chief of Staff of 18th Air Force.

Hosting the event at Scott AFB was the current commander of 18th Air Force, Lt. Gen. William Welser.

«It’s a part of history — having the current three-star-general 18th Air Force commander honor the first commander of 18th Air Force was absolutely fantastic,» said Col. Steven Robinette, 75th Mission Support Group commander. «Here at Hill, we are just happy to be a part of that and be able to provide support.»

Colonel Robinette was just one of the members of base leadership that attended the conference to honor Mr. Young.

«Earl, I doubt there was any way for you to imagine back in 1951 that you would be sitting in a room like you are today surrounded by all of us electronically,» General Welser said. «But here we are, today, with you and we are honored to name this conference room after you.»

Those at Scott were able to watch Mr. Young’s reaction as they cut the ribbon and unveiled the plaque in the conference room dedicated to the first commander, amid applause from both bases. The room was not only named for him, but the walls are lined with photos of Mr. Young. The display shows him as a young aviator and features current photos of him and his family.

After sharing a few of his memories from when he was a commander, Mr. Young thanked everyone for such a great honor.

«I only wish I could have been around to serve with you, because I think we would have done great things together,» Mr. Young said. «This has been a wonderful day for me. I have been treated like royalty here. I sure appreciate it.»

Mr. Young served in many positions before retiring from the Air Force in 1962. During his service he flew the P-51, P-38, P-40, B-17, C-47 and C-54 and received the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal and American Defense Service Medal.