Lance Corporal Jody Long

Lance Corporal Jody Long spent four years in the United States Marine Corps, stationed in Coronado, California, and Camp Pendleton, California. What began at first as a desire to serve his country and see the world quickly became an integral part of who he is. During his time in the service from 1994-1998, Long was a part of the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, a dedicated security and anti-terrorism unit of the USMC. This unit provides security teams to guard high-value naval installations, most notably those containing nuclear vessels and weapons. He also served two years as a (8152) Marine Designated Marksman on a Close Quarter Battle Team before he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, also known as The Professionals, where he spent 2 years as a (0311) Marine Infantryman within a weapons company.

Joining the military at age 18 paved the way for Lance Corporal Long to immediately become an adult. “I grew up fast,” he said. “Joining the Marine brotherhood and becoming a brother for life is something that made a huge impact on me.” After serving in multiple overseas operations, Long was honorably discharged in 1998.

Following his service as a Marine, Long served the State of Texas, and specifically Kaufman County, as a State Trooper with the Texas Highway Patrol. Currently though, his days are filled with time spent with family and volunteering as the president of the Forney High School Softball Booster Club. He has been married to his wife Kelly for twenty-five years. The last 10 of those years have been spent living here in Forney and raising their two children, Adam and Abby, who are active students at Forney High School.

Lance Corporal Jody Long says if there is one thing he wishes that all civilians knew, it is that “freedom isn’t free.”