Poland Army vet served in Reserve for 17 years
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POLAND -- Dave Long's military service fit neatly between two wars.
He got lucky, seeing no combat during the Vietnam War or Operation Desert Storm, though he was of age and in the Army at the time of both.
That didn't stop him from dedicating his life to military service and veterans' affairs, supporting those who fought on the front lines and those who worked from behind.
Long, 74, of Poland, a retired U.S. Army major, graduated from Boardman High School in 1970. The Vietnam War was in full swing, but he was enrolled at Youngstown State University where he studied political science.
"I registered for the draft when I turned 18, enrolled as a full-time student at YSU and immediately joined the ROTC program as a cadet," he said, explaining he was deferred from military service until graduation because he was enrolled in college and in ROTC.
He graduated from YSU in 1974. With the war winding down, Long was commissioned as a second lieutenant and sent to Fort Knox to train as a tank officer. He was on active duty from 1974 to 1977 and was promoted from captain to major in 1985.
Desert Storm, in the early 1990s, was a quick conflict, Long said, explaining his unit was put on alert for possible deployment, but it was canceled about 10 days later.
He retired from the Army's 70th Division in 1995, but his dedication to the military didn't end there.
Once his career as an active-duty officer ended, he returned to civilian life but was talked into joining the reserve, and said he enjoyed it so much, he stayed for 17 years.
Through the years, Long has worked in sales and marketing in various capacities.
He worked for Pfizer in pharmaceuticals, a chemical company, a wastewater treatment facility and his favorite job -- a public affairs officer for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Washington, D.C.
He's traveled the world for his various jobs and during his service, wrote for "The Field Artillery Journal," a monthly military magazine with a circulation of 50,000.
Long also spent 12 weeks in 2012 in Vietnam, teaching college courses on corporate finance. Along the way, he said he met a lot of great people.
"I appreciated the Army for the learning opportunities it gave me, and the very generous education benefits of the G.I. Bill that allowed me to earn two master's degrees without spending a penny," he said.
Over the years, Long has lived in various places, including Oklahoma, Texas and Toledo. He moved to Poland from Rochester, New York, during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying taxes there were "horrendous."
Long said he's busier now than when he was working.
In addition to his service to the American Legion, Long is still involved with YSU's ROTC program.
"A group of us still get together for a picnic reunion every year in July," he added.
He's also involved with a veteran's resource center at YSU.
Rick Williams, YSU's director of veterans affairs, said Long is an integral part of his advisory committee, helping to plan alumni events, volunteering whenever he can and passing along his excitement for ROTC to students.
"I love Dave," he said. "If he ever decided to step down, it would be a real loss."
As for hobbies, Long said he likes to golf, mess around with ham radio and read.
"I read a couple books a week," he said. "I'd like to write a book."
For now, he writes a monthly column in The Vindicator and Tribune Chronicle to help older adults avoid targeted scams, saying police everywhere report being unable to keep up with the crimes.
When asked what about his career he's most proud of, Long said, "My ability to contribute to the country and community … in my own little way."
Name: Dave Long
AGE: 74
RESIDENCE: Poland
SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. Army
MILITARY HONORS: The Cincinnatus Award from YSU; Meritorious Service Medal; 3 Army Commendation Medals; 2 Army Achievement Medals; 4 Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals; among others.
OCCUPATION: Has worked in numerous roles as a teacher, writer and businessman. He writes a monthly scam column for The Vindicator and Tribune Chronicle.
FAMILY: Wife, Pat; three children, Andy, Jennie and Dave Jr.