38 Years of Service Long Earns Service Award from SDNG 200th Engineer Co. Erin Schaller/Sun & Lucy Halverson/Lyman County Herald
The National Guard, the oldest component of the United States Military, prides itself on always being there, ready to volunteer to serve the country when needed. But, those who chose to volunteer a lifetime of service are few and worth noting.
First Sgt. Tim Long, Kennebec, retired effective June 30, 2009, after 38 years of military service. He joined the South Dakota National Guard in February 1971 and served as a lead supervisor with the 200th Engineer company.
At a ceremony held Sunday, July 12, at the National Guard Armory in Pierre, 1st Sgt. Long was awarded the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal from the Army Engineer Association for his distinguished service to the Engineer Corps. The Bronze is one of the highest honors awarded to those serving in the Engineer Regiment. It was presented to Long for his dedication to accomplishing the mission and adding to the success of the 153rd Engineer Battalion, higher headquarters to the 200th company.
Upon his retirement, Long said. “I met so many great men and women it’s unbelievable. Some have risen to the rank of General. Pretty influential people.”
Since September 11, 2001, the SDNG has mobilized more than 3,500 Soldiers and 1,000 Airmen in support of the Overseas Contingency Operations. Currently, more than 375 Soldiers and Airmen form the SDNG remain on duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations throughout Southwest Asia and Europe.
Long was most recently deployed to the Middle East from January 2003 to March 2004.
After his own personal volunteering, he was surprised when his youngest son Chris decided to join the National Guard. Making it a family affair, the two attempted to meet while deployed in Iraq. After months of planning they missed each other by a mere 100 yards.
“There was so much security moving us in either direction,” recalled Long.
Long remembers a military excursive held in Korea in 1988. He described the event as “war games” for training purposes.
“Seoul [Korea] has 13 million people. It was quite experience,” said Long.
“You get around,” he said of his service time. He experienced time in Korea, Germany, Japan and the Middle East.
In July 1971 Long began his journey with the SDNG. He attended basic training in Fort Ord, which is now a retired military base in Monterey, CA. Basic training consisted of weapons, war and survival tactics.
Long’s family, in addition to his son Chris, includes son Derek, his family Renee, Avany, Quinn and Leigha; Chris’ wife Naomi, Addison and Avreigh; his life companion Pam and his mother Gayle Long of Witten.
1st Sgt. Robert Slaba, Harrold, S.D, took over Long’s duties earlier this summer.
According to the SDNG Public Affairs Office, “The mission of the 200th is to provide personnel and equipment to transport, assemble, disassemble, retrieve, and maintain all standard U.S. Army bridging systems, including improved ribbon bridges and rafts. The unit has a secondary mission to provide transportation of cargo that is configured for the palletized boarding system (PLS).”
