Major Steve Long
2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11.
On September 11, 2006, 2,996 volunteer bloggers (it is actually more than than now!) will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11. Each person will pay tribute to a single victim.
We will honor them by remembering their lives,and not by remembering their murderers.
On September 11, 2006, 2,996 volunteer bloggers (it is actually more than than now!) will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11. Each person will pay tribute to a single victim.
We will honor them by remembering their lives,and not by remembering their murderers.
This is to pay tribute and to honor Army Major Steve V. Long. Five years ago, on September 11th, he was at his post at the Pentagon, doing his job, and he gave his life for his country. He was 39 years old and he was from Georgia. He was serving as Secretary of the General Staff, Office of the Commanding General, U.S. Total Army Command. He was married with two children. I have searched but can find nothing more about him. What kind of father he was, what kind of husband. I found the tears of a nephew... the tears of a sister, Nancy.
I did find this tribute:
I had the honor and pleasure of serving together with Steve back in 1997.
Steve was a fellow officer in the 601st Aviation Support Battalion and he served
as the Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander during a rotation to
Bosnia. He epitomized the word dedication and duty. He was a loved husband and
father to his family and he will be forever missed. My heart and prayers go out
to him, his family, and to all others affected by this tragedy. I am proud to
continue my service to my country. Special thanks go to all the men and women of
the armed forces, past and present, for their contribution and daily sacrifices
as well to their families who know pain and uncertainty on a daily basis.
Sincerely, Ron Pacheco
I am so very proud to be able to honor one of our country's protectors. This man stood in the gap and took a hit from the bad guys. As for me, there are not enough words to honor him and the job he was doing. My grandchildren (when I have them) will be able to grow strong and sturdy without fear because of Maj. Long and others like him. My children will be able to sleep at night. And perhaps, one day I might get to shake his hand in heaven. Thank you, Steve, and I thank all the men and women who serve our great country so we can have the gift of freedom. Freedom is costly, but it is worthy.
posted by Gina Burgess at 11:07 AM
5 Comments:
Thanks for posting this tribute. Maj Long is from the same town as I am and went to the same high school as me, although we was older and I did not know him. But, I wish I would have had the chance to meet him.
Teresa, I wish I could have met him, too.
What a wonderful tribute Gina, beautiful post.
Steve was my brother-in-law. His older brother, my husband Bill, and his other brother,Dave, and two sisters, Cindy and Nancy, miss him dearly. His mother,Sandra, and father,George, still are suffering grief at his passing. His wife, Tina, remarried a year ago and she gave our son, Ben, Steve's dress uniform for a keepsake. She says that this year is harder for her than she thought it would be and she wants Steve's uniform back and regrets anything of his she gave away. Of course she did not ask Ben to give anything back to her but she is having a hard time dealing with this 5th year.
I have heard a lot of stories about Steve when he was a boy. He liked to sing alot. He was into running, sports and girls in high school.
His military career lasted over 20 years. He was injured in Grananda and was awarded a purple heart. He was in the first Gulf conflict on the front lines. He was stationed in Germany for awhile. Everyone in the family was happy when he finally was stationed here in the U.S. thinking that he would now be safe. Is that not ironic?
He was buried with full honors at Arlington cemetary and awarded another purple heart. Tina has all his medals and I don't know what all they are but he has a bunch.
Thanks for your tribute Gina, I am touched.
Lorie Long
Dear Lorie,
THANK you so much for giving me a peek into Steve's life. I have prayed for his family. I lost my dad and I know what losing someone feels like. Thank you for taking the time to share and for your kind words. I salute the whole family because without sacrifices like these, we would not be free.
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