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    Colonial Morgan: Special Operations, the right stuff!

    FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

    03.25.2022

    Story by Sgt. Tara Brown 

    3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne)

    Colonial Morgan: Special Operations, the right stuff!
    “Naturally you needed a man with the courage to ride on top of a rocket, and you were grateful that such men existed.”
    ‘The Right Stuff’ ~ Tom Wolfe

    To reach into space, to achieve the reality of a dream of many a little boy or girl, U.S.
    Army Col. Andrew Morgan became an astronaut!
    Most would agree that his selection to America’s Astronaut Corp and to “fly” the International
    Space Station is the culmination of career nirvana. However, for Morgan, just the opposite might
    be said.
    As a youngster, Morgan dreamed of a military career. In a recent interview, he reminisced about
    being the son of an Air Force officer and a 'military brat.’ He spoke emphatically about how he
    absorbed all and thrived in, the military lifestyle. Although he always knew that he wanted to serve
    in the military, Morgan was also fascinated by the stars and the cosmos. One of the many books
    that inspired him to reach for greater milestones was the Tom Wolfe novel, The Right Stuff. His
    goals and sense of duty only sharpened by the heroes in both his real life and the ones exploring
    space, the unknown frontier. He decided at an early age to seek admission to the U.S. Military
    Academy at West Point.
    West Point proved to be Morgan’s door to opportunity. Upon his graduation in 1998, he
    received a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. More importantly, he accepted a
    commission as an officer in the U.S. Army.
    As is the definition of his subject major, his life looked to enhance and protect the health of
    living organisms and to improve the quality of the environment. This discipline encompassed
    proficiency in chemistry, biology, ecology, hydraulics, and mathematics, to achieve that end state.
    Unbeknownst at the time, all would serve him well when he was selected, in 2013, as a member
    of NASA’s 21st Astronaut class.
    After completing his studies at West Point, Morgan attended the Uniformed Services
    University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. He graduated in 2002 with his MD. He
    completed a residency at Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis McChord,
    Washington. He specialized in emergency medicine and upon completion, his first assignment
    brought him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he soon volunteered for the Special Operations
    Command.
    Considering his time at West Point, where he was a parachutist with the Black Knights,
    Morgan became a team physician for the U.S. Army Parachute Team, The Golden Knights. This
    allowed him to maintain his parachuting skills. His love of the military, his training and experience
    permitted him to serve as a medical team member within the Joint Special Operations Command.
    Subsequently, Morgan became the battalion surgeon for 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group
    (Airborne). He has been heard often, saying, “Taking care of the bravest women and men in
    uniform, ‘Green Berets’ and their support staff, has been the greatest honor of my military career.”
    Morgan often speaks of the military mentality with immense pride and clarity. Being a husband
    and the father of four, he enthusiastically extolls the support that the military provides for service
    members and their families. He seizes any and every opportunity to tell young people that no
    matter their aspirations, the Army can help them achieve their dreams. Once, while circling the
    earth at 17,500 mph, Morgan participated in a historic first. He administered the Oath of Enlistment
    to more than 1,000 high school recruits: nationwide via closed circuit television, from 250 miles
    above the Earth. During this event, young enlistees were given the opportunity to ask Col. Morgan
    questions. He answered them honestly and spoke from the heart. He gave those recruits some truly
    sage advice. He once again reiterated his love of the military and praised the opportunities available
    in the Army for those who seek them.
    Very recently, Morgan (U.S. Army Colonel, medical doctor, and astronaut), returned to Fort
    Bragg, N.C., for a special visit. He was here to return a collection of dog tags and other items
    to the current command team. These tags belonged to members of 3 SFG(A) who made the
    ultimate sacrifice in service to this great nation. Prior to his mission into space, and with the
    assistance of a fellow officer, the tags were gathered in honor of those who died while serving
    in the regiment. The presence of these tags in space ensured that the memory of those heroes
    would never be forgotten, by bringing their essence to the ultimate high ground.
    Based on his experience and achievements, he is a staunch believer that, “We need more
    ‘Green Berets’ in space!” says Morgan. No one has proven that concept to be truer than the
    Colonial himself. “Service members make great astronaut candidates, because we are taught
    discipline, perseverance, teamwork and coolness; under pressure from the earliest points of our
    careers.” Morgan states.
    Soldiers are always expected to go above and beyond; to serve selflessly and have the
    highest regard for the achievement of the mission. The successes of Andrew Morgan, as a
    doctor, a service member, and an astronaut, resonate no higher than doing just that. U.S. Army
    Special Operations service members have been referenced as the ‘soldiers of the new frontier.’
    For Morgan, working as one of these elites and an astronaut; has taken him above, beyond and
    into the final frontier! De Oppressor Liber

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.25.2022
    Date Posted: 03.29.2022 06:45
    Story ID: 417182
    Location: FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US

    Web Views: 35
    Downloads: 0

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