General Long received his reserve commission as a Quartermaster Corps Second Lieutenant. He distinguished himself in a wide variety of our nation’s most critical and challenging command and key staff assignments. Fresh out of the Quartermaster Officer basic Course, he was branch detailed to Military Intelligence where he served as supply officer and photo interpreter for a MI Group headquarters. After serving fifteen months of his detail, he received his Regular Army commission in the Quartermaster Corps and received his combat arms detail in Infantry.
As he gained rank and experience his responsibilities would span ammunition management and military resale. During his career he served at platoon, company, battalion, group/depot level, corps support command, logistics command, field army, Department of the Army and joint levels. In assignments at these many levels, General Long earned a reputation for developing innovative and money-saving initiatives that supported mission accomplishment as well as soldier proficiency and welfare. General Long set and maintained high standards for mission performance and for taking care of his soldiers and civilians. He is a proud Quartermaster whose performance over many years enhanced the reputation of our Corps.
As Commanding General, US Army Troop Support Command (TROSCOM), General Long was instrumental in improving the life cycle management of TROSCOM major items, assemblies and repair parts.
As Commanding General of the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), Major General Long improved the performance of the new worldwide clothing sales mission and guided the assumption of another worldwide mission of beverage resale. His leadership started the movement of clothing sales and Class VI stores out of antiquated WWII buildings to more modem facilities. He also set an early objective of having AAFES private brand and national brand name fast food throughout AAFES. It happened during his tenure when AAFES branded Anthony’s Pizza and Robin Hood Sandwiches. National brands Burger King, Church’s Fried Chicken, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell sales outlets also began to appear at exchanges worldwide. These initiatives yielded customer satisfaction and increased sales to fund worldwide service members morale support needs for the past 25 years. Major General Long’s persistence gained approval for computers and higher dollar value televisions.
General Long’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters).