Albany resident Robert Morisseau, a member of the New York Naval Militia, is awarded top honor

Retired Navy man presented with Colonel Gouverneur Morris Citizen Soldier Award on April 21

Latham, NY (05/17/2017) — Albany resident Robert Morisseau, a Chief Petty Officer in the New York Naval Militia, has been named the recipient of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affair's Colonel Gouverneur Morris Citizen Soldier Award.

The award is named after Gouverneur Morris, a Colonel in the New York Militia during the Revolutionary War who served in the Continental Congress, organized the finances of the government established in 1780 under the Articles of Confederation, was a member of the Constitutional Convention and later served as a Senator from New York and ambassador to France. The village of Gouvernour is named after him.

The award recognizes a member of the New York National Guard, New York Naval Militia or New York Guard who is an outstanding citizen as well as fulfilling his military obligations.

Morisseau, an information technology and network specialists for Albany County, is a Chief Petty Officer in the New York Naval Militia.

The Naval Militia is comprised of currently serving members of the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve who also agree to perform state duty when called upon by the governor. A small number of members are former service members who serve only in the Naval Militia.

Morisseau was selected for the award based on his service in the Naval Militia and his involvement in a number of community groups.

He was presented the award during an April 21 Naval Militia training assembly at Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill by Rear Admiral Ten Eyck "Trip" Powell, the commander of the New York Naval Militia.

He served in the Navy from 1979 to 1999 and joined the New York Naval Militia in 2001.

Morisseau serves as the communications head for the New York Naval Militia's Military Emergency Boat Service.

The boat service is responsible for nine patrol boats located around the state which work with local law enforcement, other state agencies and federal officials when required. A boat based in New York assists the Coast Guard in conducting security patrols in New York harbor.

Morisseau regularly participates in Naval Militia training activities in an unpaid volunteer status. He played a key role in developing a communications system for the Military Emergency Boat Service remote command trailer. He is also a qualified boat coxswain.

In civilian life Morisseau has served as the Albany County Commander of the American Legion, and organizes the annual Albany County Veterans Day ceremony.

He is a member of the Albany-Saratoga Submarine Veterans, as well as the Albany County Vietnam Veterans of America.

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