Robert was born to Michael and
Charlotte Long in Tishomingo, OK
on 7 November 1967. He graduated from Wheat Ridge High School,
Wheat Ridge, CO in 1986 having become an Eagle Scout in 1985.
Robert attended the University of Colorado,
Boulder, CO where he
became a member of the Pershing Rifle Team, graduating from
CU
in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was commissioned
an Air Force 2nd Lieutenant on May 1990 by Lieutenant Colonel
Corry Mordeaux.
Captain Long attended training at Tyndall AFB, FL and Tinker AFB,
OK before going to his first operational assignment at the 961st
Airborne Air Control Squadron, Kadena AB, Japan, where he served
as a Weapons Director and instructor from November 1991 to May
1995.
Capt Long deployed to Panama several times to fight the President's
War on Drugs and coordinated deployments to Cope Thunder, PACAFs
largest war-fighting exercise.
He commissioned his sister, Kathleen Long, as an Air Force 2nd
Lieutenant in September 1992.
Capt Long upgraded to Senior Director and then transferred to
the
962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, AK. He
loved the outdoors and organized several adventures in
his short time in Alaska, including trips to remote Forest
Service cabins. Captain "Cowboy" Long was Senior Director
on Yukla 27.
Captain Long's military awards include the Meritorious Service
Medal (Posthumous), the Aerial Achievement Medal (First Oak Leaf
Cluster), the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the 18th Wing's
1992 Top Gun award
