Colonial Morgan: Special Operations, the right stuff!

FORT BRAGG, NC, 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

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