Airman competing to be ‘sexiest vegan’ wants to help military live “cruelty-free lives”

Senior Airman Aaron Long has been selected as one of the ten finalists in People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ “Sexiest Vegan Next Door 2016” contest.

Long was apparently selected because he successfully “persuaded other airmen to eat more vegan foods and order quality synthetic boots instead of cruelly produced leather ones.”

Ironically, as a Security Forces Airman he is in one of the few positions that are required to be prepared to kill other human beings with small arms fire -unlike most Air Force jobs which do not require ground combat.

According to the Air Force, “They are responsible for missile security, defending air bases around the globe, law enforcement on those bases, combat arms and handling military working dogs. It takes a combination of mental and physical toughness because it’s up to you to protect your fellow Airmen.”

In a “politically correct” world is okay to sign up for a position that will require you to kill humans -shhh..we don’t talk about killing even though we all know what being a trigger-puller entails- for people depending on you but be against killing.

“I hope that military members can live cruelty-free lifestyles whether it be for animal welfare or for their own health,” Long told Air Force Times.

“I care about my fellow brothers and sisters in the armed forces and I believe that having a vegan diet will help them both physically and mentally.”

Whether he wins the contest or not, most Airmen probably want to know if he cares enough to pull the trigger in defense of his “brothers and sisters” or just give them diet advice.

USA Today wants you to know that votes for the “Sexiest Vegan Next Door 2016” must be submitted by noon tomorrow.

Update (6/17/2016): An interview was conducted with Senior Airman Long after he expressed concern with how Popular Military represented his statements to the media.

What do you define as “cruelty”?
I am vegan for the ethical treatment of animals. I live a vegan lifestyle and try my best to promote it in a positive way to others in and outside of the military. I also help educate others about the millions of animals that are inhumanely tortured, raped and murdered for our food and clothing. Millions of animals are raised from birth, ripped from their families, stuffed into tiny cages, mutilated, beaten with fists, kicked and stomped, sliced with bull-hooks, poked with prods, bludgeoned with sledgehammers and used for their milk, eggs, flesh and fur. Other animals are raised in tiny cages to be tested on daily for shampoo, lipstick, ballpoint pens and other items that unnecessarily test on animals. Then the cycle repeats itself. That is what I define as cruel.

You’re duty bound to take life if need be, does that conflict with your ideals?
No. I am vegan for the ethical treatment of animals. The millions of animals referenced in the previous question. I understand what my duty calls for. No matter what job in any branch of the military that you have, you will have to take a life for our country. Even if you’re a military chaplain. You can use the “humans are animals too” arguement but humans are who we are at war with. Humans that knowingly take up arms to intentionally hurt, maim and kill others for their beliefs and ideals. Not a suicide bomber goat or a cow wielding a 240-Bravo rushing the gate trying to get to our PL-Resources.

Do you consider dying from a JDAM dropped by an F-15E a cruel way to die?
There are many weapons that the U.S. military has sanctioned as inhumane to use for combat. Despite the weapons effectiveness and capabilities, we do not use certain weapons because of that reason. The weapons that have been authorized are necessary. Like I said in the previous statement, we are at war with humans that spread fear and violence throughout the world with mass murder and torture. I believe that our military is not a perfect one and there are tough decisions to be made to neutralize serious threats.

You were vaccinated in the military, correct? Don’t those vaccinations have traces of animal byproduct in them?
Yes. I have been vaccinated and yes, some of the vaccines have been tested on animals. The U.S. military have been testing on animals for decades and have not been widely recognized by the public. Although, myself and other vegans in the military are taking action to make change. We understand that it will be an uphill and lengthy battle.

Do you consider yourself morally superior to your non-vegan peers?
That is a ridiculous question to ask. The answer is no. I have an undying respect for my brothers and sisters in the armed forces. I do not feel morally superior to anyone and I do not need to elaborate more.

© 2016 Bright Mountain Media, Inc.

All rights reserved. The content of this webpage may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of Bright Mountain Media, Inc. which may be contacted atinfo@brightmountainmedia.com, ticker BMTM.