Josephine Ann Long

Lieutenant Commander Josephine Ann Long, U.S. Coast Guard Retired, died in her home on the evening of February 28, 2024 at the age of 42. Josephine, fondly known as Josie, was raised by her Mother Randee, Step-Father Dave and Grandparents Bill and Joyce in both Colorado Springs, CO and Golden, CO. She is survived by her Mom Randee, Step-Dad Dave, Grandparents Linda, Bill and Joyce, her Sister Nicole and Niece Ava. She was loved and will be missed by her Aunt Stacy, Uncles Slade, Eric, Buddy, many close cousins, her dog Franklin and cat Katharine Hepburn, and too many friends to list that were like family to her as well. She attended Golden High School and was a competitive soccer player during her teens. She loved to travel to California to spend time in the summers with her Grandmother Linda. Spontaneous, independent, with a love for adventure, she enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in March 2000, embarking on a successful and meaningful career in service to her country. She graduated from Officer Candidate School in May 2006, and pursued a career in maritime policy and management. She proudly retired from active duty in July 2020 with 20 years of faithful and dedicated service. The Coast Guard benefited from her leadership and expertise, she served in the ports of Charleston, Philadelphia, and Savannah and was a trailblazer in developing national cyber infrastructure protection policy for the government and maritime community. Her military awards include two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, three Coast Guard Achievement Medals, three Coast Guard Commandant’s Letters of Commendation, three Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations, five Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendations, Global War on Terror Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Coast Guard Special Operations Service Medal, Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation, and Department of Transportation 9-11 Ribbon. She was committed to lifelong learning, and achieved a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from American Military University, a Masters in Urban Studies from University of Delaware in 2014, and a Masters in Organizational Performance and Change Management from Colorado State University in 2019, in addition to countless more certificates and qualifications. Josie was an avid health and fitness enthusiast, loved music and concerts, cooking and dining out, and traveling to new and fun places. She was a devoted friend and mentor. She had friends in all corners of the world, and she will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Josie’s memory are appreciated to these organizations: · Denver Animal Shelter 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. Denver, CO 80223 Animal Shelter Donations - City and County of Denver (denvergov.org) · Wounded Warrior Project Wounded Warrior Project - Donate · Military Women’s Memorial Ways To Give - Military Women's Memorial (womensmemorial.org)

A memorial service will be held at 9:00 AM on July 15th, 2024 at Fort Logan National Cemetery 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver CO.