12/21/2025
Hello, and Happy Holidays to our numerous military Veterans and supporters in the greater Arlington-Alexandria, Virginia area.
I am here making a SPECIAL REQUEST of you and your comrades and colleagues.
We in VFW Post 609-Alexandria, have among us, a comrade-member of the GREATEST GENERATION - a notable World War II Veteran who is about to celebrate his 108th Birthday this New Years Eve.
In 1944, Bernard V. Long, a U.S. Army truck mechanic with the Headquarters Company of the 660th Engineers Topographical (Topo) Battalion, deployed just south of London to prepare for the invasion of the Normandy Beaches of France. There, he and his unit, were subjected to frequent overhead flights of N**i buzz-bombs headed toward London. That is, until one of the bombs went astray and landed on their compound, demolishing the site. Bernie (whose Army buddies called him Bunny) still tells the tale of how for weeks thereafter, they were relegated to living in 2-man pup tents. Until that is, one morning the Sargent-in-charge gleefully announced: Good news gentlemen, tomorrow we are going to a foreign country; we are going to France.
Thus, on June 8th, 1944 (2nd day after D-Day) Bernie, along with his military teammates, landed on Omaha Beach. Although by that time, not under fire, for a few days his unit worked through the confusion of the massive logistical and transportation scenario on the Normandy beaches. Bernie said his truck mechanic skills were sorely needed over and over as the going was often tough on both soldiers and their many vehicles. Remaining in Europe for most of the duration of the war, Bernie and his unit spent about 18 months overseas before returning Stateside.
Bernie V. Long served in the U.S. Army from February 1943- February 1946. Today, some 80+ years later, Bernie still proudly displays his military medals on a plaque in the foyer of his home in Arlington, VA. At his ripe old age, he is a bit frail; but, he receives a lot of loving support from his son Tommy. Bernie's photo (attached as it was taken last May 29th) was shown to the large audience gathered there, they celebrated him with a rousing ovation of applause. We do honor our heroes of the Greatest Generation.
It goes without assurance, Bernie is probably one of the very few WW II Vets over the age of 105 in the Commonwealth of Virginia. So lets hear from you gang!
Without further ado, I ask that you take on this personal request above and PLEASE Send Bernie Long a birthday or Holiday Card in the US Mail soonest. Below is the mailing address to send your cards:
Bernard V. Long
c/o VFW Post 609-Alexandria
1450 Wilkes Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
