ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Dressed in their best patriotic partywear, dozens showed up to the VFW Post 5968 in Orange Park, not only to celebrate the Fourth of July, but to celebrate one special military veteran.
Retired Navy Master Chief Fred Long turned 100 years old on Thursday.
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The party began with the pledge of allegiance and included speeches with memories of Long’s 30-year career in the military.
Long was born in Lizella, Georgia, on the porch of his parent’s home. His family were farmers and sharecroppers. He got married at a young age and had five children. Long enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and retired in 1973.
When the veteran came in to see all the decorations at his party, he said, “Wow! That’s a lot of people putting in a lot of work.” Long then shared his contagious laugh and sweet smile.
Janet Shuster is Long’s youngest daughter.
“He’s a high achiever at a young age. At the age of 9, he was working at his uncle’s dairy farm, and I do mean working. He enlisted in the military at age 18. He is a hard-working and demanding person. It’s tough to meet his standards,” Shuster said. “He made it to 100 years, and that alone deserves a moment of reflection on his accomplishments. I’m so happy I get to share this with him as opposed to in memoriam. We’ve truly been blessed.”
Many local retired and active military personnel wanted to share this special day with Long.
Shuster said her father taught her and her siblings so much.
“Show up, work hard, don’t whine, take personal responsibility and be accountable for your actions,” she said.
Everyone here at News4JAX wants to wish Retired Navy Master Chief Fred Long a happy 100th birthday! Here’s to many more!