Catskill native Cornell Morris presented with state Liberty Medal

BINGHAMTON―A Catskill native, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Cornell Morris has devoted his life to serving his country, veterans and community. This week, he was presented with a New York State Liberty Medal, the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by a member of the State Senate.

The medal was presented by Senator Lea Webb of Binghamton, where Morris currently serves as director and supervising social worker for the VET Center.

“His leadership has made a lasting difference both during his military career and in the years since, as he has continued to support veterans and military families with compassion and unwavering dedication,” said Webb.

Morris, a 1973 graduate of Catskill High School who spent many days at the Catskill Boys Club, retired from the Army in 2008 after serving for more than a quarter century as a military intelligence officer. Following in the footsteps of Morris men before him, he enlisted in the Army, becoming the first officer in his family. He served in key leadership roles, including Battalion S-2 for the United Nations Command Security Force in the Joint Security Area of the Republic of Korea; Company A, 102nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division; Brigade S-2, 197th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized) during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm; and assignments with the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade and U.S. Army Forces Command.

Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Morris continued his service in support of the Global War on Terror, deploying in combat with the Third Army in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. He also answered the call at home, serving with Task Force Katrina/Rita to assist communities devastated by natural disasters.

Morris, an honorary Buffalo Soldier, was presented with the medal on Buffalo Soldier Day, observed each year on July 28 to recognize the bravery, resilience, and pivotal contributions of the African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln officially authorized the enlistment of African American men into the Union military through the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

“As one of the benefactors of President Lincoln’s promise to veterans and their widows, it has been my life’s mission to honor his and this nation’s commitment to all of its people,” said Morris.

“I have grown and flourished as a person, a soldier, and a public servant through the untiring works of the supporting communities here in this great state of New York, our nation, and around the world,” he said.

At the VET Center, Morris specializes in Veteran Justice Outreach (VJO) and providing resources for veterans who struggle with housing instability and substance use disorders. He also serves on the Broome Community College Board of Trustees.

Webb said Morris was honored for “his extraordinary commitment to others and the legacy of service he continues to build.”

“I share this medal with every veteran, service member, and all those who have and continue to selflessly serve others,” said Morris.