BY TED POTTS
Though he became a victim of traumatic brain injury while serving in Iraq, Army Staff Sgt. Martin “Mark” Morris of Johnstown’s West End believes the U.S. is right in being there.
“I’d rather be fighting the terrorists in Iraq than here at home,” Morris said Wednesday at Veteran Community Initiatives’ offices in Upper Yoder Township.
Morris was at the VCI offices to receive a $5,000 check from BCL Manufacturing Inc. of Windber to help pay for his continued rehabilitation and related medical needs. He was injured Aug. 20, 2006, while a section leader with a unit serving about 20 miles north of Baghdad.
BCL President Bill Sipko said he and his company are proud to assist Morris.
He added the money also is meant to help the soldier’s family as well.
Sipko said the $5,000 is from his company’s BCL Charities and plans are to help an area soldier financially each year.
Morris is anticipating a medical discharge within several months. But he would rather be returning to Iraq to rejoin his fellow soldiers.
He had re-enlisted while in Iraq for his third tour of duty with the Army. He was planning to serve 20 years, retire and return home.
But his life changed when the Bradley fighting vehicle he was commanding ran over an improvised explosive device, or IED. The devices pose a constant danger to U.S. forces throughout Iraq.
The explosion immediately rendered him unconscious, Morris said. He was flown to his base hospital and then to a medical facility in Baghdad, where Army doctors confirmed his initial diagnosis of traumatic brain injury.
“At first I just didn’t want to believe it. I just wanted to go back to my unit,” Morris said. “I just wanted to serve as an infantryman and section leader.”
But the persistence and painfulness of his headaches made him realize that he would not be returning to combat, he said Wednesday.
Morris’ treatment is ongoing – as are his headaches. He said he suffers from nightmares that doctors say are part of his post-traumatic stress disorder. His memory, which he said was excellent before the attack, now is poor.
But he continues to fight to overcome those burdens. He is hoping to have a career as a police officer, he said.
Morris, 33, is a graduate of Greater Johnstown High School. He completed courses at two trade schools in Pittsburgh.
His wife, Nancy, a native of San Antonio, was among family members attending Wednesday’s check presentation.
