West NY News

ALBANY – Francisco “Frank” Morales, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and director of the Military Aligned Student Program at St. Bonaventure University, was inducted into the New York State Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame today at a ceremony in Albany.

Master Sgt. Francisco Morales (Ret.) was nominated by Senator George Borrello in recognition of his service and dedication to the nation and fellow veterans. The annual recognition, established in 2005, is bestowed upon a veteran from each Senate District who has served valiantly in the military and made outstanding contributions as a civilian.

“Frank Morales enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantryman and served 20 years with tremendous distinction, ultimately attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. Among his many awards is the Silver Star Medal, which was bestowed for his heroic actions on August 26, 2006, when Morales's unit was ambushed by over 60 Taliban. Morales was able to lead his men through the battle and save four wounded soldiers,” said Senator Borrello.

“The motto of the U.S. Army is ‘This We’ll Defend.’ It’s a vow that Frank Morales embraced as an active member of the military and as a civilian, in his role as Director of the St. Bonaventure Office of Veteran Service, where he mentors his fellow veterans and helps them prepare for a successful transition back into civilian life. It was my honor to be able to recognize him and have his story memorialized in the state’s history,” Senator Borrello added.

Senator Borrello noted that Mr. Morales’s Army tenure included deployments in the Balkans, Africa, and twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His final assignment was at St. Bonaventure as a senior Military Science instructor in the university’s Army ROTC program.

In addition to receiving the Silver Star Medal for valor, he also received the Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat along with numerous other awards including Combat and Expert Infantry Badges, Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Drill Sergeant Badge.

After concluding his Army tenure, Mr. Morales attended graduate school earning a Master of Mental Health Counseling before becoming Director of St. Bonaventure's Office of Veteran Services.

“Frank is an incredible leader, and we are fortunate to have him leading our Military Aligned Program that supports Veterans and their families. He is an advocate for all Veterans and a valuable resource throughout the southern tier,” said Bernard Valento, Vice President for Enrollment at St. Bonaventure University.

He has created a legacy at St. Bonaventure with two sons graduating from the university and being inducted into its ROTC Hall of Fame.

Currently residing in Portville with his wife Crystal and children Christian, Julian, and Isabella; Frank continues to help veterans across various aspects of life while mentoring community veteran programs in western NY.

Senator Borrello will honor Mr. Morales at a special ceremony at St. Bonaventure University on a date yet to be announced.

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