Capt. Karl Patrik Youngblood Memorial Fund
The Capt. Karl Patrik Youngblood Memorial Fund provides support for emergency medical services personnel and their families, with a focus on training and development opportunities.
TYPE OF FUND: Field of Interest
DATE ESTABLISHED: Initiated November 1998 Established May 12, 1999
PURPOSE: To provide funding for emergency personnel and/or their families.
DISTRIBUTION: The proceeds of this fund are to be used to aid with the cost of training opportunities for emergency medical services personnel, particularly those involved in EMT-Basic, EMT-Paramedic or Emergency Vehicle operation classes. Upon the recommendation by the Grants or Scholarship Committee and approval by the full Board of Directors of TCF.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: Memorial donations by friends and family.
BACKGROUND: Capt. Karl P. Youngblood, a search and rescue pilot stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV, died September 3, 1998. Burial, with full military honors, was held at O’Fallon City Cemetery, IL, on September 18, 1998. Final military honors were held at Arlington National Cemetery on October 1 (section 34, grave 3392). A memorial service was held October 24 at the First Baptist Church in Parsons.
Karl was born March 31, 1969, in Farmington Hills, MI. He moved to Tucker County in 1976 and attended local schools until early 1985 when he began non-traditional schooling. After intensive study, he enrolled at Davis & Elkins College as one of their youngest full-time students. Between 1986 and 1988, he worked as a phlebotomist and lab assistant in both Tucker and Randolph counties, while also volunteering with Tucker County EMS. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, completing basic training and earning Distinguished Honor Graduate honors in the Army X-ray Specialist Course.
In 1988 he transferred to WVU to study electrical engineering and soon after joined the Air Force ROTC, earning a scholarship and pilot training slot. He graduated cum laude and as the Distinguished Graduate of the USAF ROTC in 1992. He went on to receive jet and helicopter certifications and was assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron at Nellis AFB in 1995. His unit was instrumental in saving eight lives between 1995 and 1998.
Karl married Lee Anne Bloom in 1997, and they made their home in Henderson, NV. He was deeply connected to Tucker County and returned often to enjoy the natural beauty and community. On a training mission in the Nevada desert on September 3, 1998, Karl lost his life in a mid-air helicopter collision. He was survived by his wife, his father David Youngblood, his mother Noreen Nys, sisters Yvonne and Laura, and brothers John and Erik.
