ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., June 27, 2024 — Francisco “Frank” Morales, director of St. Bonaventure University’s Office of Veterans Services, has been inducted into the 10th Mountain Division Warrior Legend Hall of Fame.
The retired master sergeant from Portville, New York, was one of three people inducted June 20 at a ceremony during Fort Drum’s annual Mountainfest.
Since 2020, the Hall of Fame has recognized 28 individuals who have supported the 10th Mountain Division through their exceptional contributions. A Warrior Legend is defined as one who has exhibited the best qualities and characteristics of the 10th Mountain Division through a lifetime of service.
Maj. Gen. Scott Naumann, Fort Drum commander, described the inductees as remarkable individuals who have demonstrated excellence and dedication in their public and private lives.
“They are the embodiment of sacrifice, service, and selflessness,” he said. “They are pillars of the 10th Mountain Division community. These individuals have demonstrated their commitment with deeds not words, the qualities we value in the best of our mountain warriors.”
Morales joined the faculty at St. Bonaventure in 2007 as a military science instructor in the university’s Army ROTC program. He also founded the Student Veterans Association and returned to SBU in 2017 as the Military Aligned Students director.
“I didn’t prepare a speech today,” Morales said. “But I’m forced to speak quite often in the last 10 years, and what I talk about most is how important it is for us to continue the mission of supporting those who serve.”
Morales brought two of his students to the ceremony to experience a little of what being in the 10th Mountain Division meant to him. He said the honor of being inducted would be impossible if it weren’t for the teammates he served with — some who never made it home but remain in his thoughts.
“I want to thank all of you for what you do, everybody who is part of this team,” he said. “It is great to be brought back home, and it is an honor to be a part of this great division.”
Inductee plaques will be added to the Hall of Fame wall inside the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Museum.
In May, Morales was inducted into the New York state Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Albany.
