Where are they now? – Kevin Long

Editor’s note: This feature is dedicated to profiling Van Horn High School Alumni and updating locals on what became of them after graduation.  The Advocate welcomes information for publication on VHHS Alumni and will try to highlight two Van Horn Eagles every week.

Kevin Long

I graduated VHHS in 1988 and left for the US Air Force in July of that year.  After completing Basic in San Antonio, I traveled to Biloxi, MS to attend Air Traffic Control School.  My first assignment was in The Philippines for 2 years, then off to Enid, OK for a quick stay.  In 1993 I was assigned in Goldsboro, NC for 3 years, then off to South Korea for one year.  After 11 years active duty, I completed my Air Force career in Wichita Falls.  I had a great time serving, traveling, and meeting so many different people.

I was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller in 1999 and reported to work in Shreveport, LA, where I spent 4 years.  I transferred to Kansas City in 2003 where I spent 3 years, then off to South Bend, IN for 1 ½ years.  After South Bend, I transferred back to Kansas City to work at the international airport.  In 2013 I transferred to Houston Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility, where we work all the arrival and departure aircraft at all airports across the Houston area.

I’ve been a Controller for 28 years now and I can’t imagine doing anything else, it is a very satisfying job.  I have also done extensive volunteer work for my union, from sitting on every position on executive boards at my local facilities to being on regional and national teams and committees.  It is also satisfying to help my union improve and protect the livelihood of controllers all over this country.

I met my wife in 2013 when I moved to Houston and we were married in July of 2014.  I have a 23 year old daughter, she lives in Boise and she has given me 2 beautiful granddaughters.  I also have 2 step children ages 16 and 11.  I would say our favorite thing to do is travel, the beach is always calling.

I am eligible to retire in 3 ½ years but will probably stay a few years more.  My wife and I want to retire in the hill country of Texas.  We like being near convenience locations but big city hustle and bustle isn’t really for us.

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