On January 26, 2024, Air Force veteran Martin Morris will be recognized as the Humboldt Hero for his dedicated service and ongoing contributions to the community. The ceremony will take place at noon at the Veterans Memorial Building located at 537 7th St., Eureka.
Honoring a Distinguished Military Career
Martin Morris served in the Air Force from 2002 to 2006, participating in multiple deployments across the globe. His assignments included locations such as Okinawa, Diego Garcia, Guam, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. Morris was part of the RC-135 Constant Phoenix aircraft crew, which is primarily tasked with reconnaissance missions that involve detecting and identifying nuclear explosions. This aircraft operates out of Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.
Throughout his military career, Morris received numerous accolades for his service. These honors include the Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Training Ribbon.
Community Engagement and Continued Service
Following his military service, Morris pursued a career in law enforcement by attending the College of the Redwoods Police Academy. He was subsequently hired by the Fortuna Police Department and later transitioned to a role as a criminal investigator with the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office.
Beyond his professional commitments, Morris remains actively involved in supporting fellow veterans. He serves as the Post Quartermaster for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2207 in Fortuna. His community engagement includes organizing monthly community breakfasts and ensuring proper flag displays at the Veterans Memorial Building, among other initiatives to honor veterans.
The “Humboldt Heroes” program typically honors local veterans on the last Friday of each month. Community members interested in nominating a veteran for recognition or contributing to the program are encouraged to reach out to State Farm insurance agent Scott Hammond at 707-444-2504.
As the community gathers to celebrate Morris’s contributions, this event serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and their continued impact on society.
