Rick Morris is a proven leader whose career spans more than four decades of distinguished service to both country and community. Raised in Apple Valley, Minnesota, Rick entered the U.S. Army in 1983 and served 23 years of active duty, retiring in 2006 at the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM)—the highest enlisted rank in the Army.
Rick’s assignments included senior leadership positions with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea, the U.S. Army Military Police School, His career culminated with service as Task Force Peacekeeper CSM (Afghanistan) and the 716th Military Police Battalion at Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he led Soldiers in complex, high-stakes operations. His numerous military honors include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, 8 Meritorious Service Medals, Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Airborne Wings. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Order of the Marechaussee (Gold) and has been inducted in the MP Hall of Fame, the Sergeant Morales Club and the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
Following his Army retirement, Rick transitioned his leadership skills into the business world as a successful entrepreneur and property owner, managing multi-family housing in Springfield, Rolla, and St. Robert, Missouri. He is a recognized community leader with a long history of public service, having served as a Rolla City Councilman and in multiple civic leadership roles.
Rick’s civilian honors reflect his dedication to service beyond the military, including the COL Ed Owsley Award for Distinguished Service, the Lieutenant Governor’s Veterans Service Award, the Sergeant Major of the Army Bainbridge Award, 2016 FLW Retiree of the Year and 2018 Citizen of the Year by the Waynesville–St. Robert Chamber of Commerce.
Rick and his wife, AJ, have been married since 1986 and reside in Fremont Hills, Missouri. They are proud parents of a son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Rick embodies the principle of being a “Soldier for Life,” continuing to lead, mentor, and serve in every arena of his life.