Born on the Fourth of July during the presidency of the great Silent Cal, Fred A. Long Jr., was only 18 years old when he enlisted in the Navy during World War II.

Long enlisted at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville as a seaman second class, and after a 30-year career with the Navy, returned to Jacksonville where he still lives now. He retired in 1973 as an E-9 Master Chief, the highest rank for a noncommissioned officer in the Navy.

This year, Long celebrated his 100th birthday at VFW Post 5968 in Orange Park, Florida, where he has been a member for the past 30 years.

The celebration began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by speeches from friends and family members, including Long's youngest daughter, Janet Shuster.

Shuster said of her father,

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. 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.

Happy birthday Master Chief Long and happy birthday America!

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