Sgt Morrison, a decorated hero
NEW CITY – A decorated Army sergeant from Rockland County died Wednesday while on active duty at Fort Carson, Colorado.
County Executive Edwin Day said Sgt. James Morrison, 28, of Wesley Hills had been deployed to Afghanistan three times.
His death is being investigated as a suicide.
His father, Richard, of Wesley Hills, wants his son remembers for his heroism and service to his country as well as for the struggles, like other service members, encountered after serving in a war zone.
“PTSD is real; this is proof,” said Richard Morrison.
His father and mother, Sharon, want his death to serve as a reminder that military members should not be afraid or ashamed to seek assistance for mental health issues.
Sgt. Morrison was cited for heroism in 2011 by then US Military commander in Afghanistan Gen. David Petraeus, a native of Cornwall.
Morrison and other troops were engaged in a fierce battle with Taliban soldiers in southeastern Afghanistan in May of that year, when according to Defense Department information, Morrison “ran through enemy fire to reach a weapon that was used to push the enemy back.” That action helped the troops win the battle.
Morrison, 23 at the time, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor.
He reenlisted and was serving in Colorado where he lived with his wife and daughter.
Morrison was a 2006 graduate of Ramapo High School. Both he and his father served for many years with the Hillcrest Fire Department.
County Executive Day reminded local veterans that the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency provides referrals for assistance. There is also a Veterans Affairs healthcare clinic in New City.
Sgt. Morrison will be buried with full military honors and a firematic service will also be held.
Tentative arrangements will include viewing Thursday evening and Friday evening at the T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home in Garnerville. A funeral is tentatively planned for Saturday followed by burial in the Frederick W. Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Brick Church Road.
