Sgt. John Michael Delong

Staff Sergeant John Michael DeLong, 28, of Gainesville, GA, died Sunday, May 30, 2010, in Colorado of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. John was the son of Judith Anderson DeLong, the late Mike DeLong, and sister of Meg McPeek.

SSG DeLong graduated in 2003 from the Hall County- Gainesville Evening High School. He completed basic training and advanced individual training in 2005 at Ft. Jackson, SC, served in the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, and B Company 4th Combat Support Battalion, Ft. Carson, Colorado.

SSG DeLong completed a Combat Tour in Iraq, August 23, 2006-November 8, 2007.

SSG DeLong received the following honors while an active member of the United

States Army: Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, 3 Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (Campaign Service Star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachute Badge, Drivers/Mechanics Badge, and Air Assault Badge.

SSG DeLong attended the following schools: Warrior Leader Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, Airborne School, and Air Assault School.

He is survived by Judith A. DeLong, mother; Meg and Mike McPeek, sister and brother-in-law; Grace, his beloved dog; Bucky and Jessica Anderson (uncle & aunt) and family; Greg Anderson and Helen Samuels (uncle & aunt) and family; Marilyn DeLong McNeely (aunt) and family; Ann and Skipper Fuller (aunt & uncle) and family; JoAnne and Bill Vaughan, (great aunt); and Nancy Taylor, (great aunt).

The family of Staff Sergeant DeLong requests that memorials be made to the Army Emergency Relief; 200 Stovall St.; Alexandria, VA 22332; www.AERHQ.org.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Georgia 30501.