BINGHAMTON, NY (607NewsNow) – A Binghamton man is receiving the highest civilian honor bestowed by the New York State Senate.

On July 28, State Sen. Lea Webb presented Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Cornell Morris with a Liberty Medal for his lifetime of service.

The medal was presented on Buffalo Soldier Day in recognition of 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,” Morris said. “I have grown and flourished as a person, 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. I share this medal with every veteran, service member, and all those who have and continue to selflessly serve others.”

After 25 years as a military intelligence officer, including combat deployments in Desert Storm and the War on Terror, Morris became a licensed clinical social worker to support military members and their families. At a community-based Veterans Center, he provides evidence-based psychotherapy and addiction counseling, as well as mentoring, training, and leadership.

Learn more about Lieutenant Colonel Morris from State Senator Lea Webb’s office here.