Hartselle’s T.J. Long proud to be a soldier
By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
T.J. Long is a 19-year-old Army paratrooper who is looking life squarely in the face. He’s proud to be a part of America’s all-volunteer fighting force. And he doesn’t bat an eye when asked if he’s ready to go anywhere in the world to fight for the freedom of his country.
Long, a 2006 Hartselle High graduate, said he decided to join the Army after high school because he felt it was what God wanted him to do.
Long had some other incentives, too. His enlistment earned him a college scholarship worth $57,000 plus GI Bill benefits after his discharge. He said he is interested in a career in criminal justice and plans to enroll in college as a part-time student in the near future.
Long received all of his training at Fort Benning, Ga., graduating from Airborne School Nov. 3. He served as a platoon leader during basic training. To qualify as a paratrooper he was required to make five jumps, one of which was at night, over a three-day period.
Following a 10-day furlough, he will report to Fort Campbell, Ky. for permanent assignment to the 101st. Airborne Division. The 101st returned from Iraq last month following a one-year tour of duty.
Long is the son of George and Cissy Waddell of Hartselle and John and Pat Long of Somerville. His grandparents are Roy and Shirley McCurry and Shirley Waddell, all of Hartselle, and Lucille Long of Charlotte, N.C.
