Warrensburg Airman named 131st Bomb Wing's Airman of the Year

  • Published
  • By Rachel Knight
  • Missouri National Guard
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Senior Airman Brandon K. Long, of Warrensburg, was recently named Airman of the Year for the 131st Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base.

"It's a great honor especially in the year where we had a lot going on and a lot of people stepping up to help get the 131st out to Whiteman," Airman Long said.

"Being the 131st Bomb Wing's top Airman is quite an accomplishment," said Senior Master Sgt. Stephen R. Counts, 131st Bomb Wing avionics flight line supervisor.

Airman Long, who has served in the Missouri Air National Guard for almost three years, is an instrument and flight control technician at Whiteman Air Force Base.

"I joined the Guard originally to go to school but after going to school and learning my job, I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life," Airman Long said.

Airman Long said his favorite thing about being an instrument and flight control technician is just being able to go out and work.

"I enjoy going out and working on difficult problems that take a lot of time and research to fix," he said. It really gives you a sense of accomplishment to know that you were part of a team that went out and found that hard to find problem and got a jet out onto its next flight on time."

"Senior Airman Long has worked very hard to become a fully qualified B-2 instrument and flight controls technician," Sergeant Counts said. "He was the first drill status Guardsman to be assigned to the 131st Bomb Wing avionics flightline. Obtaining his 5-level was no small task. He not only had to pass his CDCs but also worked very hard in getting his 5-level tasks signed off. Senior Airman Long went even further and has all of his tasks for his 7-level signed off as well. This is a very difficult accomplishment ... that requires dedication and hard work."

The job is very important to him because it helped him start a career and enjoy what he does on a daily basis.

"I firmly believe you have to do something you like and that you want to do every day," he said.

Airman Long is a 2006 graduate of Farmington Senior High School in Farmington, Mo., and has taken one year of studies at University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg for computer aided drafting and design with an emphasis in civil engineering and drafting.

Airman Long also takes time to volunteer at Camp Guardian, which is his biggest accomplishment during his Guard career.

"Senior Airman Long is a role model for volunteerism," said Sergeant Counts. "He assisted with the 131st Bomb Wing dedication, was a volunteer at a Veteran's home, and was a volunteer at the Missouri National Guard Camp Guardian."

Each summer, Missouri Guard members join dozens of children and adults with special needs where they are treated to a taste of the great outdoors, courtesy of a week-long, action-packed recreational camp.
Members of the Missouri Army and Air National Guard guide campers through a week of challenge, discovery and excitement. Activities include boating, fishing, nature walks, marksmanship training, swimming, arts and crafts, campfire skits, carnivals, talent shows and nightly dances.
"It is such a great organization and what they do for special needs individuals is great," Airman Long said.

Airman Long's parents, Dawn and Richie Standridge, of Caseyville, Ill.; two sisters, Shawna and Shelby Standridge, of Caseyville, Ill.; a step-brother, Brian Leach, of Wagner, Ill.; and his fiancée, Stephanie Brenton, of Warrensburg, formerly of Edwardsville, Ill all stand behind him in his career.

"I really want to thank my family for all the support that they gave me during the last two years, between getting through school and moving out here, they helped me out every step of the way," Airman Long concluded.

"All of Senior Airman Long's accomplishments, hard work and dedication truly shows he displays the Air Force Core Value's of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do," Sergeant Counts said. "To have Senior Airman Long recognized as the most outstanding Airman in the 131st Bomb Wing is a tribute, not only to him, but to all the enlisted men and women of the wing. It is also a tribute to the outstanding leadership at the 131st which fosters an environment that reflects the Air Force core values. I salute Senior Airman Long on his achievements and I thank him for being the kind of person who will be a model Airman for our future."

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, call 1-888-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.