FEATURE: Son's dreams come true at Lajes: following father's footsteps, 'Crossing into the Blues'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  "Raise your right hand and repeat after me," said Col. Roderick Dorsey, 65th Mission Support Group commander, as he administered the oath of enlistment to a soon-to-be Air Force member, who is about to continue the family military legacy, which started with his grandparents during the Vietnam Era.

With his right hand raised and head held high, a Lajes son took the oath of enlistment that will "engrave his name" in the Air Force history as among the group of members who follow their parent's footsteps by joining the Air Force.

Michael, son of Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Longacre, 65th MSG Superintendent, entered into the Air Force Delayed Enlistment Program during a ceremony held here Feb. 6.

And with a smile displaying his pride in what he had just done, Michael said the decision to join the Air Force was ultimately his own.

"To me the Air Force is like the ultimate service because of its way of life, and it's all I have known all my life," said Michael, the 17-year-old Lajes American High School senior. "I have always wanted to join since I was a kid. My dad did not pressure me to join; I decided to join of my own free will, and I am so glad I did."

Though the decision was made by Michael, but not without any guidance from his father, who has been in the Air Force for over 26 years, Chief Longacre's expertise and experience goes a long way in helping Michael decide what job to choose.

"Michael has literally spent his life in the Air Force, travelling with the family over the years," the chief said. "He came up with the decision to join on his own, my main advice was on job selection; he decided on SATCOM (Satellite Communications) or Avionics, both career fields that I've been in."

What made the ceremony even more eventful was not just because Michael followed his father's steps but it wowed many people because the situation begged the question of how he did it being in a remote location and without a recruiter stationed at Lajes.

Since a Military Entrance Processing Station, commonly referred to as MEPS, is not here, Michael had to take his Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, also known as ASVAB, in the Lajes American High School. He took his ASVAB along with nine other of his high school peers.

From when he took his ASVAB, it took about six months until the day of the ceremony. Despite these challenges, the young, determined Michael did not turn back or relent from pursuing his dreams.

The journey and dream to join the most powerful Air Force in the world was made easy and realistic when Chief Longacre, through the school, got Sergeant Martinoli's name and called her. Master Sgt. Martinoli came to Lajes for a visit and the initial paperwork was completed; all other required paperwork was completed virtually over email.

"Sergeant Martinoli did an outstanding job," said Chief Longacre. "She was very thorough. Our initial appointment with her was Jan. 13, 2009, and Michael took his oath on Feb. 6. It happened pretty quickly. We were also able to get his physical exam completed very quickly."

The chief described how proud he is of his son's decision, especially at this time when the Air Force is highly tasked.

"For a young man or woman to raise his/her hand knowing we are in the midst of the Global War on Terror has always humbled me, I am very proud of him for his choice," Chief Longacre said. "I joined in an era of relative peace during the cold war, and I literally had no reason to assume frontline duty. Today it is an expectation; we expect every Airman will deploy to or near the frontline. Michael knows this going in and looks forward to his first deployment."

According to the chief, Michael has always been around the Air Force; he once worked as a summer hire for the 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Most of the family friends relate to the Air Force. Michael's sister is married to a Senior Airman, and they are stationed at Shaw AFB, S.C.

"I am a first in my immediate family to join," Chief Longacre added. "My wife's father had six brothers; all of them served in the Vietnam Era, with the Navy and Army; his twin brother Dillard Gale Rye was 'Killed in Action.'"

Michael will be heading to Basic Military Training in the summer to continue the family military legacy.

"Through all my dad's advice, I kind of know what I am getting into, and I am ready," he said. "If my dad wasn't in the Air Force, I probably wouldn't have joined or known what to do."

At first everyone in the family was a little apprehensive, according to Chief Longacre, because Michael is the last one to leave home, but knowing that he is joining the Air Force the whole family is extremely proud of him.

Without a doubt, the Longacres know that when Michael leaves the family for the Air Force basic training that he is in good hands.

"The Air Force has always taken care of us," Michael said with a smile that expressed his appreciation. "I am joining for myself, my country and to fight for what is right."