An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Civic Leader Honored By Air Force Chief of Staff

  • Published
  • By Rachel Arroyo
  • Air Force Special Operations Command
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  A local businessman was presented a prestigious Air Force level award here recently recognizing more than two decade's work supporting area military.

Cliff Long, chairman of the nonprofit Emerald Coast Military Affairs Council, received the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Award for Exceptional Public Service in February.

Lt. Gen. Donald Wurster, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, re-presented the award to Mr. Long at a luncheon hosted by the Emerald Coast Military Affairs Council March 23.

He is one of only six to receive the award since it was established in 2007.

The award recognizes a private citizen who "embodies dedication, patriotism and personal sacrifice which has resulted in significant contributions to the Air Force," according to the Air Force Civilian Recognition Program instruction manual.

"Cliff has been a stellar and continuous public servant to our local community for over 50 years and has always been a trusted friend of the Air Force," said General Wurster in a letter he wrote to Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff. "Through his decades of leadership as chairman of our local military affairs councils, Cliff has made a monumental and positive impact on our Airmen and their families. We are truly lucky to have him as our teammate."

Mr. Long has represented AFSOC as a member of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Civic Leader Program since 2006.

He also travels to the Pentagon annually as part of the Defense Support Initiative Group.

Mr. Long said he was honored and surprised to receive the award.

"Service to our great military community has always come naturally to me as it is just the right thing to do," Mr. Long said. "As our super military people give so much to our nation and community, my contributions are minimal compared to them. I thank General Schwartz and General Wurster for their superior leadership and for this treasured award."