WEST JORDAN, Utah - A military veteran had his car that was filled with military mementos stolen the night he returned home from his parents’ house to retrieve them.
After 22 years of serving in the Air Force, veteran Marc Long racked up trunk loads of awards and memorabilia - something he says is irreplaceable.
"I just can’t believe it – I’m still in shock I guess," Long said of the theft.
The theft occurred sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning after returning to Utah from a road trip to Arizona.
When he got back to Utah, he found himself in the thick of a thunderstorm. Long said he got out quickly and went inside without unloading the car. He'd been on the road for 14 hours and planned to unload his car the next morning.
"I came out later just to make sure everything was locked up and I grabbed my backpack, which had my laptop in it," Long said.
The next day, Long woke up to find his car and military mementos gone. The theft was reported to West Jordan police.
Long is a third generation military man. He has pages of pictures of awards he has been honored with over the years.
Long was in the Air Force for 22 years. He is now using his GI bill to go to school to become a registered nurse. He eventually wants to work at the VA to help care for veterans- after all, he said, he speaks their lingo.
"I remember when I was in Arizona - my moms got a trunk - and its full of my grandpa’s Air Force stuff from World War II and that’s what I wanted to have. And my dad’s got the same thing. And I had the same thing- now I don’t," Long said.
Long’s vehicle is described as a 1998 Honda Civic LX with the plate number W378GV. It’s forest green, has after-market silver tires and a scratch on the driver’s side.
Long said he had just registered the car in Arizona, and that the Arizona plates were in the car. He says whomever took the car could have easily switched the plates.
For Long, it’s about so much more than a stolen car. He was going to pass his military medals and awards down to his son.
"You know I may have a couple pictures of them - I’ve got them in my memory but that’s it. You know I’m very proud of them - I did a lot of work for them - you know it’s something I just can’t get back," Long said.
West Jordan police say there is a fair chance this car could be tracked down. They said if you do see anything suspicious to please give them a call at 801-840-4000.
