From combat to conservation
U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management student shares passion for land and country
James Long has a profound connection to both his country and the land he now helps manage as a graduate student in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Originally from Glen Carbon, Illinois, Long joined the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17, embarking on a near-decade-long military career.
Now, as a graduate student in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, he can reflect on how his military service and love for the outdoors led him to Texas A&M University.
A call to serve
Long was fascinated by the Marine Corps as far back as he can remember. Inspired by his grandfathers, both of whom served in World War II, and by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Long knew from a young age that military service was his calling.
He completed boot camp shortly after graduating high school and began what would be a formative 10 years in the Marines. Long deployed to Afghanistan in 2009-2010 and later served as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit in response to the conflict in Libya.
His service also included working on the Texas-Mexico border and later with the Wounded Warrior Detachment in San Antonio, assisting injured Marines in their transition back to civilian life.
“Helping my fellow Marines rebuild their lives after combat was unlike anything else I did in the Corps,” Long said. “The sense of camaraderie and working with other branches and organizations to support these warriors showed me what service beyond the battlefield really looks like.”
A new mission in wildlife management
Following his medical retirement, Long’s transition to civilian life took an unexpected turn. Initially planning to return to Illinois, Long decided to remain in Texas after meeting his wife and starting a family. He earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science from American Public University System in 2017 with a concentration in fish and wildlife management and his passion for the outdoors and wildlife conservation became central to his next career move.
While working for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a park ranger and public hunting coordinator, Long realized that advancing in his field would require further education.
“I kept getting interviews but wasn’t landing the jobs,” he said.
When a hiring manager mentioned that many of his competitors held master’s degrees, Long knew what he had to do.
Living near College Station, Texas A&M’s flexible graduate programs in wildlife and fisheries management were a perfect fit for his busy schedule as a full-time employee and father.
Guided with tactical support
Long credits the department and faculty as being instrumental in his pursuit of a graduate degree — especially Roel Lopez, Ph.D., head of the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries, who played a crucial role in helping him navigate the application process.
“I knew nothing about how to apply for graduate school,” Long said. “I didn’t even realize I needed to form a committee to guide my research.”
After cold-emailing Lopez with a lengthy explanation of his goals and background, he received an unexpected response. Lopez agreed to be his advisor and helped him form a committee.
“Without Dr. Lopez’s guidance, I wouldn’t have known where to begin,” Long said. “He made sure I had the support I needed from day one.”
With a family to care for and a full-time job at Lake Somerville State Park, the department’s flexible online program allowed him to balance his personal and professional responsibilities while continuing his education.
More than just a student
As Long became more involved with the department, he found a welcoming community that supported his professional growth. He now works for the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute as a project coordinator, educating landowners across the state about feral hog management.
His role has allowed him to apply his graduate studies in a meaningful way, while also making a tangible difference in the lives of landowners.
“It’s probably the coolest job ever,” Long said, describing how he travels throughout Texas to conduct educational seminars and trap demonstrations. “It’s a different way to serve, and I’m grateful every day that I get to do this work.”
