LRS NCO wins AF-level award

  • Published
  • By Airman Anthony Jennings
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  An Airman stationed here more than 19 years ago never would have thought he would be back nearly two decades later running the same shop he began his Air Force career at--let alone winning an Air Force-level award. 

The Air Force recently recognized Master Sgt. Johnny Long, 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management superintendant, as Air Force Vehicle Management Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. 

"On target," said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Frazier, 96th LRS vehicle fleet manager, describing Sergeant Long. "It's refreshing to see someone who will replace me that has the talent and resources you expect from a senior NCO." 

Though Sergeant Long displays the excellence most Airmen would come to expect from a senior NCO, he said he was caught off guard by the news he won an Air Force-level award. 

"When Chief [Frazier] pulled me aside and told me the news I was surprised," he said. "I didn't think I had a chance." 

Though Sergeant Long's award came as a surprise to him, it was apparent to members of his vehicles ops unit that it was well deserved. 

As a superintendant, the master sergeant is responsible for all the vehicles in the Eglin fleet, the budget, as well as performance reports and decorations for more than 80 Airmen and 33 civilians. 

When deployed in Bagram, Afghanistan, he managed a fleet of 384 vehicles, the largest during Operation Enduring Freedom. He managed more than 2,500 mobile runs and more than 820 aircraft tow tractor fixes for 14,00 sorties supporting Operation Noble Eagle, resulting in 100 percent support with no vehicle related delays. 

"When it comes time for deployment, I can rest assured knowing the commander we're sending him to will be getting an excellent senior NCO," said Chief Frazier. 

A native to a college town in Auburn, Ala., Sergeant Long enlisted in the Air Force in hopes to further his education as well as travel. 

"I remember getting chills when I first had a chance to hear an F-15 take off," said Sergeant Long. "I was hooked." 

Four bases and six deployments later, he says he doesn't plan on retiring quite yet, he's waiting to make that decision once he puts on senior master sergeant. 

"I enjoy the job and it's rewarding," Sergeant Long said. "People don't often think of the folks behind the scenes. We serve as a support function, but we're vital to the mission."