Chief Long takes the cake

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Agneta Murnan
  • 71st Flying Training Wing
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Many military service members and organizations choose to commemorate service achievements, special events and retirements with decorative items such as recognition boards, shadow boxes, coin racks and cakes, but a retired 71st Flying Training Wing command chief chooses to spend his free time to create those custom commemorative items, charging only for materials.

"It's a hobby and I enjoy it," explained Chief Steve Long, currently a Logistics Readiness Squadron quality assurance evaluator.

While his explanation of his work may be simple, Capt. Kris Ostrowski, Silver Talon Honor Guard officer in charge and recent acquirer of a recognition board for the Honor Guard, elaborated on the impact of Chief Long's work.

"Chief Long is a master craftsman and selfless individual. His generosity and immense skills allow the base to recognize its people with beautifully crafted items while still maintaining its budget," Captain Ostrowski said.

Chief Long said he enjoys the challenge of taking people's ideas and developing a workable design, whether it is a coin rack made in the shape of a state or a triangular flag case with unique dimensions and embellishments. He works in his garage to construct the item, in his kitchen to stain it and in his living room to finish the item while watching television.

"If someone wants something, I'll try to help them," said Chief Long, asking only for enough advanced time to plan and build the project.

Oak may be his favorite wood to work with, but cake is his other medium of choice - creating roughly 20 cakes each year for different people and base organizations.

The cakes take the forms of class and squadron patches, beach scenes for retires, a three-tiered cake with a stuffed animal bear atop for sweethearts, rank insignia and even a Navy battleship decorated with miniature aircraft to name a few.

Many customers like the 71st Medical Group, tells Chief Long, are repeat customers.

"We love his cakes. You never know what you're going to get, because he keeps it a surprise for us - but you know it will be good," said Rhonda Patton, 71st Medical Group commander's administrative assistant.