SOUTHERN TIER, NY – Today, Senator Webb honored Lieutenant Colonel Cornell Morris with a NYS Liberty Medal, the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by a member of the State Senate. The medal was presented on Buffalo Soldier Day in recognition of Lieutenant Colonel Morris’s status as an honorary Buffalo Soldier. 

“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! 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,” said Lieutenant Colonel Cornell Morris. “I share this medal with every Veteran, service member, and all those who have and continue to selflessly serve others. Thank you Senator Webb, my fellow Veterans, and the great state of New York.”

“Lieutenant Colonel Cornell Morris has devoted his life to serving our country, our veterans, and our community,” said Senator Lea Webb. “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. I am proud to present Lieutenant Colonel Morris with the New York State Senate Liberty Medal in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to others and the legacy of service he continues to build.” 

Cornell Morris’s life of service reflects an extraordinary commitment to country, community, and the enduring responsibility to care for those who have borne the cost of freedom. Over more than 25 years of military service and decades of continued civilian leadership, Lieutenant Colonel Cornell Morris has exemplified the ideals for which the Liberty Medal was created.

Cornell Morris retired from the United States Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after serving for over a quarter century as a Military Intelligence Officer. His career spanned some of the most complex and consequential operations of the modern era. He served in key leadership roles, including Battalion S-2 for the United Nations Command Security Force in the Joint Security Area (JSA) 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, Lieutenant Colonel Cornell 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. Across every assignment, he demonstrated sound judgment, steadfast leadership, and an unwavering dedication to mission and personnel.

Lieutenant Colonel Morris’s service did not end with his retirement from the Army. Instead, it evolved into a second career dedicated to healing, mentorship, and advocacy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, he has devoted his professional life to supporting military members, Veterans, and their families. At a community-based Veteran’s Center, he provides mentoring, training, and leadership while delivering evidence-based psychotherapy and addiction counseling to those navigating the invisible wounds of service.

His commitment to honoring service and strengthening community is further reflected in his role as an honorary Buffalo Soldier and as the founder of Hometown Heroes in Binghamton, New York. Through this initiative, Lieutenant Colonel Cornell Morris has worked to ensure that Veterans are seen, valued, and supported, reinforcing the connection between military service and the communities it protects.

Photos from the event are available here. 

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