Local Disabled Vet Seeks Help Creating and Constructing Halloween Barns and Maze

San Angelo, Texas - Local resident, artist, and disabled Veteran Michael Long hasn't had such an easy life, but does his best to stay optimistic. Long is one of America's countless veterans who have fallen through the cracks, but still manages to put on a smile every day. As someone who has had to deal with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Long has traveled the country taking time to reach out to other veterans. Not to mention, Long and his partner Carl have plans to put on a Halloween Haunted Barn and Trail locally to benefit veterans.

A Little Background

Long joined the U.S. Army in July 1975, when he was 19 years old, and served with many soldiers who served in Vietnam (see note).

Long said he did a tour from 1982-1983 in Korea, but hurt his back and was medically discharged.

[I] served my country for eight years," Long explained. "They retired me when I hurt my back in Korea."

Reminiscing about his tour, Long added, "When I was in Korea, they had eight total country blackouts. When you go there, they tell you your life expectancy is 2 minutes and 38 seconds, which is how long it takes for the artillery to land when it starts. You're already targeted cause everything is planned and laid out."

Although the war is long over, countless veterans have not been able to cope as well, and too many take their own lives. 

Long cited, "Twenty-two plus is how many veterans there are who commit suicide each day, and it's sad that less than 2 percent of the population are aware of this. It breaks my heart that our government is allowing this to happen."

He continued, "Sixty-five percent of all of the homeless are veterans, most who are dealing with PTSD. They're having difficulty adapting to structure, regimens, and so many other things in their life; they're choosing suicide." 

Recently, Long recently drove 10,000 miles from Oklahoma to Denver, Durango--even up to Oregon and through San Diego. He said he even went to flea markets so he could talk to people like him.

"I wanted them to be aware, reach out to these veterans and acknowledge them--let them know they're valuable and that we need them in our lives," explained Long. "I spent the summer feeding and visiting with our American veterans, and found that a huge need in their life is PTSD education and suicide prevention."

Keeping the Awareness Going Locally

To keep on this path, Long said he and his partner Carl are putting on a Haunted Barn and Trail, which will open to the public October 1 to November 15. This event is meant for a bit of fun, and to honor local veterans. However, Long and his partner need help making the event a success.

"We're asking for the community's help in not only coming out to enjoy the festivities, but to join in on the construction of the event. At the moment, there's over 200 steps involved from start to finish, and it will take place in more than one barn. It's Car's property, located at 3620 North Bell, the last house before you get to the packing plant. We've been working on it for the last week but need more help--like someone to help engineer and design the layout. One of the barns still needs clearing out of a bunch of old tires and such." 

Long said he and Carl are looking for 30+ volunteers, and requirements include: "love our U.S. veterans, have a desire to make a difference, love Halloween and having fun, and be available to start as soon as possible."

Long added that he's asking everyone to be the 'hands of kindness' and work together.

"I've got all kinds of requests and fliers out to several groups in San Angelo that I've asked for help, and am hoping the base, college and anyone else who wants to help will call," said Long. 

He noted that the barns are 210 feet long each, and there's enough space for 15 or 20 booths.There will be a contest to where people can set up, create, and man their own booth, and then patrons can pay $1 for each vote cast to determine who has the most creative booth.

There will also be a maze to where, if people pay and extra $5, they can put on a mask and costume and hide out in the maze to scare people.

Long added, "I want it to be the greatest haunted house in San Angelo. This event is to raise money so I can continue my mission [by] going back out to find those veterans who need help [with things like] socks or coats, or just anything; they can see those 'hands of kindness' there on the spot. You'd be amazed at how much something we take for granted means so much to one of these veterans."

Long said this event came to mind because he loves haunted houses, and he put one on at his business, the Crazy Horse Art Gallery.

"They're fun," he noted. "I even did a kid-friendly walk for those who wanted to go through it...I have a lot of fun putting these together." 

"I've been planning this for a long time and have bought several hundred dollars worth of costumes for people to put on," said Long. "Every year, I go to the end of season sales and probably have around 70 masks."  

Beyond the fun, however, Long's purpose remains focused on one thing: his fellow veterans.

"I care about my fellow veterans and will continue to be the voice for whomever I can, as long as I can," said Long. "I've spent the majority of my income on this cause; [I'm] often sacrificing my own needs."

One other interesting tidbit Long offered is that Dylan Lane from Concho Valley Paranormal has been out to the event site and there is some 'activity.'  The two have plans for Lane's crew to conduct an investigation soon, so for anyone with an interest in the findings, be sure to check the group out on their Facebook page, and click here. 

Long concluded with, "I hope to make this a great event and fundraiser for PTSD awareness, suicide prevention and education for our Veterans!"

Admission to the event is $10 for ages 12 and up; ages 5-11 is $5; and under 5 is free. For more information on the event and or Long's mission in helping veterans, please feel free to contact Hands of Kindness for Veterans, Michael Long, at [email protected], or call 325-213-4379. People can also call Carl at 325-212-5018. 

Note: Mr. Long clarified hat he joined the Army after the Vietnam war ended, but engaged with many soldiers who suffered from PTSD after having served in the war. Also, he did serve in Korea, which is where he hurt his back. Nowhere did we or Mr. Long say anything about the Korean war. Finally, all our reporters take quotes and details from recorded conversations.