News> Reservist reenlists after 19-year break, sworn in by son
Photos
Scott Long recites the Oath of Enlistment after his son, U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brandon Long, during a ceremony July 28, 2011, in Valdosta, Ga. Lieutenant Long is a liaison officer with the 1-169 Aviation Support Battalion and said he was honored to preside over his father’s ceremony since his father pinned on his officer rank earlier this year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter)
Scott Long, a prior active-duty Airman, shares a smile moments before enlisting into the Air Force Reserves July 28, 2011, in Valdosta, Ga. Long separated from active duty in 1992 after serving 11 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter)
by Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
23rd Wing Public Affairs
8/10/2011 - VALDOSTA, Ga. (AFNS) -- Nineteen years after separating from the active duty Air Force, Scott Long enlisted into the Reserves. Now he's Staff Sgt. Long, with the 476th Maintenance Squadron as a fuel systems craftsman.
Sergeant Long's son, U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brandon Long, 1-169 Aviation Support Battalion liaison officer, presided over the ceremony July 28.
"When I decided to reenlist, I was looking into the future," said Sergeant Long, who is now 51. "I always regretted getting out, even though it was the right decision at the time."
Before his early separation in 1992, and after 11 years of service, he was stationed in numerous countries and states, finally settling down at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.
"What makes Sergeant Long a special case is that he has a 19-year break in service," said Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Walker, Eastern Recruiting Squadron line recruiter. "He will bring back knowledge and heritage to the newer generation of Airmen."
Lieutenant Long was happy to have the chance to preside over his father's reenlistment ceremony.
"It's a special event, and a rare opportunity to do a reenlistment ceremony as a young officer, especially for my father," he said. "I'm really happy for him. He has been talking about reenlisting for a long time, and he is happy to have the chance to serve his country again."
The lieutenant, who is currently waiting to leave for pilot training, was commissioned in May 2011 during a ceremony where his father pinned his rank on.
"It has been a dream of mine to serve in the military ever since I was young," Lieutenant Long said. "I really wanted to join the Air Force, but my college only had an Army ROTC program. I got a slot for pilot training in the Army, and I have always wanted to fly so it didn't matter which service.
"My father's service definitely influenced my decision to join the military," he added. "It's a family legacy. His father was a Marine in World War II and my other grandfather was in the Navy."
At more than 50 years old and 19 years after leaving active duty, Sergeant Long faced challenges when reenlisting.
"The biggest challenge in reenlisting after all this time was making sure I was physically fit," he said. "You also have to make sure you are still medically qualified."
Only a few months after his son's commissioning and 19 years after leaving active duty, Sergeant Long chose to once again put on a uniform and serve in the Air Force.
"I am just proud to have the opportunity to serve my country again, and contribute more than just my tax dollars."
Comments
8/17/2011 3:11:42 PM ET J, might have to wait a few more years then or expand your horizons. In my 24 years I have seen people re-enlist 3-4 times in civvies. It's not the norm but it does happen as some of the previous people have stated with examples.
Jim, Fairchild AFB
8/13/2011 10:40:50 AM ET Welcome back, SSgt Long. Bless you, your son and your service in the United States Air Force.
Chaplain Kollmann, WPAFB OH
8/12/2011 8:14:13 AM ET Welcome back, SSgt Long. That took guts and dedication to come back and finish the journey. I hope you get your 20 good years in and make MSgt before retiring. Thanks for serving! again.
Bob Hauer, Aviano AB Italy
8/11/2011 6:31:49 PM ET To J at Shaw AFB: I reenlisted for my second term as an Airman in civilian clothes. It was required as I was in a deployed location and off base at the embassy. The officer reenlisting me and everyone present were also in civilian clothes.
Amanda, Eielson AFB
8/11/2011 5:42:14 PM ET Staff Sgt Long, you are telling my story almost right down to the rank, years of reenlisting and separation in 1992. I hope and pray each and every day that a job will open so I can proudly wear that uniform and serve my country once again. Good luck, SSgt. Long.
M, Delaware
8/11/2011 2:00:38 PM ET To J at Shaw AFB -- The reason he's not in uniform is because he's a civilian. He's enlisting just like the people in the Delayed Enlistment Program enlist. They raise their right hands while they're in civvies and take the oath. The difference is they're enlisting for the first time. He's enlisting for the second time ... reenlisting.
Annette, Texas
8/11/2011 12:12:25 PM ET I have never in my 21 years seen someone reenlist without a uniform on....
J, Shaw AFB
8/10/2011 6:38:12 PM ET SSgt Long's story is a prime example of Service Before Self. Even though he had a break in service it is apparent he continued to serve his country. His son's decision to serve in the Army is just one of the results of his service. Welcome back to the uniformed ranks
