As the United States Air Force marks its 77th birthday on September 18th, we honor its storied legacy of innovation and excellence. This milestone, commemorating President Truman’s pivotal decision to create the Air Force as an independent military branch, is a testament to its enduring impact. In celebration, we sat down with Paul Young, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Vice President of Growth and Strategy at Epic Government, to explore his Air Force journey and his unique insights into government healthcare staffing.
A Skyward Journey: Paul Young’s Decade in the Air Force
Paul Young’s interest in joining the Air Force was sparked after a conversation he had with his brother, who was serving in the Air Force at the time. Drawn to the Air Force’s structure, which more closely resembled civilian life, Paul preferred the idea of working in a professional setting and returning home each day.
Following in his brother’s footsteps, Paul joined the Air Force in 1977 after graduating high school a year early. At 17 years old, during what would have been his senior year of high school, Paul was out on his first enlistment in Europe. He initially served as a policeman, completing his training in San Antonio, Texas. However, eager for a new challenge, he transitioned to air traffic control and completed his training at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.
Paul spent the bulk of his Air Force career as an air traffic controller at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. While his career path did not include piloting his own aircraft, he still spent plenty of time in the air. To excel as an air traffic controller, it was crucial to understand the characteristics of the planes under his command. This led to the exciting opportunity to fly in fighter jets and transport planes, giving him invaluable first-hand experience.
During his time in the Air Force, Paul also earned a college degree in business, with his education funded by the military. Shortly after completing his second enlistment, he accepted a job offer on Wall Street. In 1987, Paul capped off a decade of service as an Air Force Staff Sergeant filled with lasting memories and invaluable experiences.
Lessons in Leadership: The Lasting Influence of Air Force Training
Paul credits much of his personal and professional growth to his time in the Air Force. He describes it as the place where he “grew up,” learning the discipline and determination that shaped him into the man he is today. The Air Force taught him how to set clear objectives and develop the self-discipline needed to achieve them, skills that continue to serve him in his career.
As an air traffic controller, Paul developed sharp mental acuity and a strong ability to handle high-pressure situations. Managing a sky full of aircraft, with thousands of lives depending on his decisions, was stressful—but the rewards of overcoming those challenges were immense. The rigorous demands of the Air Traffic Control Academy also taught him valuable study and problem-solving skills, which helped him later when he pursued an MBA.
Beyond technical expertise, Paul gained a wealth of supervisory and management skills through his leadership roles in the Air Force. His experience cultivated a drive for continuous self-improvement, which he attributes to the discipline and mindset instilled during his years of service.
Continuing the Mission: Transitioning from Military Service to Epic Government
After leaving the Air Force, Paul started his civilian career with a Wall Street company. However, following Black Tuesday—the biggest stock market crash since the Great Depression—he found himself looking for new opportunities. Returning to his college placement office, he discovered the Outstanding Scholar Program, a federal initiative for students who graduated in the top 10% of their class. This marked the beginning of Paul’s extensive history of working with the federal government.
Driven by residual patriotic feelings from his Air Force days, Paul became a federal government contracting officer with the Naval Air Systems Command. This role allowed him to leverage the leadership and management skills he had developed in the Air Force, but now with the Navy.
Before joining Epic Government, Paul worked for an engineering and technical support company that provided support to the Department of Defense and other civilian agencies. In this position, he managed business development and secured a significant contract to oversee veteran outreach across all ten regions in Michigan.
This statewide VA contract caught the attention of Epic Government, formerly Federal Staffing Resources (FSR). A headhunter reached out to Paul with an opportunity at Epic Government, a company dedicated to providing healthcare and support to veterans and active duty military. The role, which focused on expanding the company’s services, aligned perfectly with Paul’s commitment to supporting these groups.
Joining Epic Government allowed Paul to broaden his impact and continue his mission to improve the health and well-being of veterans and active duty personnel. Apart from his brief stint on Wall Street, his career has been devoted to supporting the Department of Defense and the military, reflecting the purpose-driven mindset and passion for service he developed during his Air Force years.
Purpose-Driven Service: Epic Government’s Role in Enhancing Veteran Care
Paul’s sense of professional purpose is deeply reinforced by his interactions at conferences with wounded warriors and military leaders. These events vividly illustrate the impact of Epic Government’s mission.
When wounded warriors express their gratitude and generals highlight the importance of the organization’s work, Paul is provided with a powerful affirmation of their efforts. The personal stories and appreciation from those directly affected make the hard work feel exceptionally rewarding.
Additionally, discussing the mission with fellow support providers at these conferences reveals the broader significance of their collective efforts. Witnessing firsthand the difference they make strengthens Paul’s commitment and deepens his understanding of the value their work brings to the military community.
Full Circle Service: Maintaining a Steadfast Thread of Purpose in Veteran Care
Paul Young’s journey from the Air Force to Epic Government reflects a seamless alignment of purpose and dedication. His extensive experience in business development and his commitment to veteran care led him to Epic Government, where he now plays a vital role in enhancing the organization’s mission. At Epic Government, Paul channels his skills into expanding healthcare and support services for veterans and active military, embodying the core values of service and impact that have defined his career.
Epic Government is a leading government staffing and healthcare solutions provider that focuses on delivering comprehensive services customized to each client’s unique needs to support mission objectives. We are driven to serve the active duty and veteran communities not only through our work, but also in our communities through veteran hiring initiatives, military spouse employment initiatives, and community involvement. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our mission areas.