Morgan Family Devoted to Service in Korea
By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter
Just as his grandfather and father did, Maj. David J. Morgan of the Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC), is making efforts to safeguard South Korea's security and prosperity, while holding great affection and respect for the country and its people.
``Korea has given me the opportunity to work with many fine officers and civilians from both nations and all services,'' Morgan, 37, said in an e-mail interview with The Korea Times.
He has served as a simultaneous operations officer to help plan and execute joint training exercises between U.S. and South Korean forces since late 2006.
``It has allowed me to compare and contrast our two cultures to learn more about `why' things are the way they are in both countries,'' he said. ``Nothing makes you understand something better than trying to explain it to someone who is completely unfamiliar with it or has a competing idea.''
Morgan's grandfather, Warren F. Morgan (1900-1989), was a veteran U.S. naval officer who had participated both in World War I and II, according to a CFC press release. He retired from the military later, but he again wore military uniform following the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War, it said. As a commander of a support vessel, he helped allied forces dominate the sea over North Korea backed by China, it said.
His son John M. Morgan, David Morgan's father, also took part in the deadly war on the peninsula at the same time. He participated in the war as an officer of the 213th Field Artillery Battalion, which played a key role in defending the South against the Chinese Army-led ``human sea'' tactics.
``I have extended my tour here for another year because I like my job and I like being here in Korea,'' said Morgan. ``After I retire, my wife and I are considering coming back to Korea and I will work as an invited contractor or government service employee.''
Morgan married a Korean in 1996. Before being assigned to the CFC, Morgan, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1991, worked with the 2nd Infantry Division located north of Seoul.