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<p>To know <em>William Dale Long </em>was a delight. He was a vibrant, charismatic, energetic, and fun-loving soul who tended to make you forget about your troubles and just enjoy life. While he could be intense when the situation dictated, one cannot envision Will without picturing a huge smile on his face, more often than not with a hint of mischief in his eyes. Even the upperclassmen were fond of him. We are fairly certain it was an upperclassman who gave him his nickname of “Radar” due to an uncanny resemblance, and at times a similar demeanor, to Gary Burghoff of M*A*S*H fame.</p>
<p>Will, the son of Green Bay Packers fans Florren and Joan (Springer) Long, was born in Mount Vernon, OH but raised in the Chicago area. As a result, Will and his two older brothers, Thomas and David, grew up to be die-hard Chicago Bears fans, which made for some tense Sundays. Summers were spent at his grandparents’ farm in Ohio, where he was so driven his father sometimes placed stones in Will’s pockets to slow him down.</p>
<p>It is unclear to those who knew him why Will chose West Point, but his family history is rich with those who served. His great-great-grandfather served in Sherman’s cavalry, his father served in the Navy during World War II, one uncle was in the Battle of the Bulge, and another uncle was a career Navy man post-World War II. Whatever his reasons to attend, Will was as duty bound as they come, and West Point and the Army are better for having had Will serve.</p>
<p>As a cadet, Will exhibited high intelligence with humility, and he encouraged both himself and others to pursue new experiences. When a group of classmates were choosing roommates for an upcoming semester, one classmate recalls Will suggesting that he room with the one classmate he had the least in common with. Will insisted it would be worthwhile, and, although hesitant, he followed Will’s advice, which opportunely led both roommates to mutual growth and an unexpected friendship. </p>
<p>Will once led classmates in an attempt to skateboard down “Wipeout Hill” from the Cadet Chapel to the barracks. During the warmup, Will first went down the “bunny slope” behind the gymnasium, where the group encountered an officer in uniform. Will promptly saluted as he whizzed by, which was returned…with a head-shaking smirk. Wipeout Hill claimed three victims that day, but Will continued to love challenges his entire life.</p>
<p>Indeed, a little over a year later, in the summer of 1976, Will was having lunch at the mall with his mother when a female employee at the restaurant caught his attention. Although he took no action at that moment, he later felt compelled to meet her. He returned to the mall where he tracked her down during her break and took the risk of introducing himself to this complete stranger. Success! Following graduation in June 1978, Will married Myra (Norris) Long, the love of his life. </p>
<p>Between his U.S. Army time in Mainz, Germany, followed by engineering roles with Crown Zellerbach in Vancouver, WA; Halfen in Charlotte, NC; and Lignotech in Wausau, WI, they had three children: Nathan, Jennifer, and Matthew. Upon settling his family in central Wisconsin, he received just payback for his football revolt against his parents, as his children all became loyal Green Bay Packers fans.</p>
<p>While at West Point, Will could pontificate on deep subjects one minute and prank someone the next. He was a true “brother” and friend, loyal to a fault. His commitment to honor was unwavering, and he placed honor to his classmates at the pinnacle. As a result, when pressed to reveal the identity of a classmate he knew who was guilty of misconduct, he instead chose to remain silent and was therefore forced to graduate a year later than scheduled.</p>
<p>Will had a strong sense of justice and exhibited sound leadership qualities before arriving at West Point and during his career. While working in the pulp industry in Wisconsin, Will helped an apprentice learn the ropes and, at the appropriate time, recommended him for a promotion. When management denied that request, he did not hesitate to inform them of the errors of their ways. Their decision was reversed, and the promotion was approved. Will’s character earned the respect of management, peers, and subordinates alike.</p>
<p>In 2002, Will was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma, which he battled courageously until succumbing in March 2011, after 32 years of marriage to Myra. Per his wishes, he was cremated, and his ashes were scattered on the land he had faithfully cultivated until the end.</p>
<p>Will was a city boy, high school actor (Tevye in the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” and Fagin in “Oliver”—who knew?), soldier, husband, father, industrial and structural engineer, and even a Christmas tree farmer (thousands). His brother Thomas says the three words that best define Will are “Family, Duty, Fun”: family first, duty always, and fun endlessly.</p>
<p>All who knew him have treasured memories of our beloved Will and regret that we lost him way too early. He was likely yet another Monsanto weed killer victim, a product he was known to use dutifully. Will was a man of faith who believed in God and put his trust in His Son, and he should be fairly easy to find in eternity—just look for the house with the impeccable yard.</p>
<p><em>— Myra Long (Wife), Thomas Long (Brother), and David Anselmi (’77 Classmate)</em></p>
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