Military Service Runs In Family For West Orange High School Alum

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

West Orange High School alum Colin Joshua Len Morgan graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point on May 27. He graduated from West Orange High School in 2019.

At West Point, Morgan concentrated in Life Sciences as a cadet in the United States Corps of Cadets Company D-3 (Go Dinos). Colin worked as a BN Staff Officer, Squad Leader and A.C.T Officer. His time at the academy was spent competing for the Men’s boxing team, earning him the 2023 National Collegiate Boxing Championship. He is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.

Morgan's story is part of a family history of military service. His father, Chris Sr., began his career as an Illinois state trooper and transitioned into the United States Secret Service. His cousin, Col. Clifton Kyle, graduated from West Point in 2001. It was at that time that Colin's older brother Chris Jr. ("CJ") began to speak about attending West Point, a dream he achieved in 2016. With Colin's graduation, his sister Chase will be graduating from West Orange High School in June and will attend Georgia Military College for one year and then move on to West Point.

Tragedy struck the Morgan family on June 6, 2019, when Christopher Morgan was killed in a training accident. Set to graduate from West Point in 2020, the Academy bestowed full honors upon Morgan posthumously. His parents created the CJ Morgan Foundation to honor his memory and provide scholarships to deserving students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, community service, and involvement in extracurricular activities.The scholarships are particularly aimed at supporting veterans, military personnel, and law enforcement families who have selflessly served the country and communities.

Morgan was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army by his uncle at the gravesite of his brother Chris.

"I'm proud that I got to finish what you started, CJ," Morgan said during his commissioning.

2nd Lt. Morgan was Branched as an Air Defense Artillery Officer and will continue his education as a GEM Fellow, where he will earn his Masters of Science degree in Cell and Developmental Biology at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Upon completion, he will report to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for Officer Training. His first assignment will be with the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

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