Reservist reenlists after 19-year break in service; sworn in by son

Published Aug. 10, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
23rd Wing Public Affairs

VALDOSTA, Ga. -- Nineteen years after separating from the active duty Air Force, Staff Sgt. Scott Long, 476th Maintenance Squadron fuel systems craftsman, enlisted into the Air Force Reserve.

Sergeant Long's son, U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brandon Long, 1-169 Aviation Support Battalion liaison officer, presided over the July 28 ceremony.

"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 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 got 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," said Lieutenant Long. "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."