Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Leon M. Young, 62, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024. Born on November 15, 1962, in Washington, D.C., to the late Terrell C. Birch and Beverly B. Mapes, Lee lived a life dedicated to service.
Lee graduated from J.W. Robinson High School in Fairfax, Virginia, in 1980 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1981. During his
25-year military career, Lee served as an Operation Desert Storm veteran with the 24th Mechanized Infantry Division Combat Team, which led the first offensive sweep into southern Iraq. Their actions spearheaded the ground offensive for the Allied Coalition Forces, advancing farther and faster than any other mechanized force in military history.
Lee became one of the Army’s most accomplished recruiters, earning numerous accolades, including the Presidential Recognition for Excellence in Recruiting (2000), the Glen E. Morrell Medallion for recruiting excellence, and induction into the Sergeant Major of the Army Glen E. Morrell Order of Recruiting Excellence. Remarkably, Lee received his Recruiter Ring in less than two years of service. He retired in July 2006, leaving a legacy of excellence and dedication to his country. Lee was honored with numerous military awards, including the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Lapel Button, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), Overseas Service Ribbon, Operation Desert Storm Medal, and the Sharpshooter Badge.
After his military career, Lee pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice (2013) and a master’s degree in Science (2016), both from the University of Central Florida. He continued serving others as a part of the University of Central Florida Campus VA (Veterans Affairs) retiring from this role in 2018.
Lee was an avid outdoorsman who cherished time in the woods and found great joy in hunting. As a family man, he loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sporting events and doted on his beloved four-legged companions.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Beverly B. Birch; maternal grandmother, Jane L. Mapes; paternal grandfather, Leon S.
Mapes; and his older brother, retired Marine Corps veteran Christopher J. Young.
Lee is survived by his children, Brandon L. Young (Jessica), Bradley A. Young (Becca), Bryan D. Young (Kate), Reagan Young, and Sydney Young; his grandchildren, Delacy Runyon, Nolyn, Kolton, Kona, Rawson, and Kenzington Young; his siblings, Laura B.
Thompson (John) and Craig S. Birch (Beth); and his nieces and nephews, Dominique Young, Alexander Young, Drew, Jack, and Walker Thompson, Shelby Ewing, and Rebecca Birch.
Lee will be remembered as a man of unwavering love for his country and his family.

Laura, I am sorry for your loss. Peace be with you and your family.

Coach Thompson,praying for you and your family,love you all

My condolences to you and your family Craig.

Dave & Cindi Beever

Laura, I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Marsha Thomas

So very sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.