ZABUL, Afghanistan - It has been a long standing philosophy within the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment that once a soldier is a Dragoon, they are Dragoons for life. The regiment considers each member of the team more than just a co-worker. They are family. This is why concern for their welfare doesn’t stop when they are taken out of the fight by illness or injury.

Recently Regimental Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Morris took a trip to visit with some of 2SCR’s wounded warriors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington to check on their progress.

Morris spent three days in Landstuhl where he visited all the soldiers from 2SCR recovering there. He also had the chance to meet with a group of Wounded Warriors from regiment's 3rd Squadron.

“They were involved in an IED blast just before I departed for this trip,” Morris said. “All of them were in excellent spirits.”
”It was a great opportunity to spend some time with them and recognize these outstanding warriors,” he said.

Morris said he very proud of the work being done by all the soldiers of 2SCR in Afghanistan. Being able to visit with those who were injured in the line of duty was a very rewarding experience. He could not begin to describe the level of commitment 2SCR troopers have shown towards their mission of peace and stability.

“They have been performing phenomenally in combat operations,” Morris said. “This was my opportunity to take a moment to say thank you and give back some of the support they freely have given to the Regiment on a daily basis.”

Morris said he admires the strength and courage these soldiers have shown on their road to recovery.

“I can’t say enough about these magnificent warriors,” he continued “You would not believe some of the battles these Dragoons are fighting daily.”

“The resiliency of these soldiers is truly enough to take your breath away,” he said. “I am incredibly honored and proud to be their regimental command sergeant major.”

Morris said his most memorable visit of the trip was at Walter Reed with PFC. Vital Boisset of 3rd Squadron. Morris was present when Boisset was brought to the hospital on Kandahar Air Field after being injured by an IED strike. Morris said he was truly astounded by the miraculous recover made by this young soldier.

“When I saw him this time,” Morris explained, “he was walking, just received his driver’s license and was preparing to go on Christmas leave with his wife.”

“That was probably the most amazing things I have seen in quite some time,” Morris said. “This young soldier had been through such a traumatic event, to see him walking around and in such good spirits was truly uplifting.”

Morris said he has nothing but admiration not only for these warriors but the medical professionals and volunteers helping them on their road to recovery.

“I have seen nothing but first rate medical care provided to our Dragoons both in Afghanistan and at home,” he said. “We just want to thank the medical community for everything they are doing for our family.”

“I wish God would bless me with half the courage and fortitude of these young troopers,” Morris said. “I wish them all a speedy recovery and all the best in their future endeavors.”