‘Private’ retires after 55 years of service

by Nora Locklear Sumrell
ABNSOTD

	photo courtesy of Pete Morakon Pete Morakon, right, poses with some of his fellow military freefall instructors in 1984.

A former Special Forces Soldier retired Friday after a 55-year career with the U.S. Army that includes 25 years of civilian service and 30 years of military service. On his door hangs a wooden sign that reads, “An old Soldier lives here with his privates.”

Pete Morakon has worked for 25 years at the Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, a remote test directorate of the United States Army Operational Test Command. After 55 years, he made a decision to retire and care for his wife, Geri.

“I wanted to work until I couldn’t perform at 100 percent, and because of my wife’s medical condition, I am not able to freely travel away from home in order to do my job,” Morakon said.

He has worked as a test plans and management specialist at the ASOTD where he has tested new or improved personnel parachutes, equipment, and U.S. foreign and commercial aircraft for personnel static line and military free-fall airdrop and bundle delivery. He has conducted more than 52 tests since 1985.

Morakon explained that although he has conducted many tests, the Tandem Bundle System test stands out from the others.

“This item is essential since it allows special operations Soldiers to take more equipment in as an accompanying load during combat,” said Morakon.

Other major tests Morakon has completed include military free-fall validation of Select Category B weapons; Modified Improved Reserve Parachute System ripcord grip insert; Military Cybernetic Parachute Release System; universal static line; harness single point release; and validation of static line and/or military free-fall procedures for: F-27 Fokker, UH-60A, C-208B Caravan, C-23B Sherpa, DC-3 Turboprop, CASA-212 ,CASA-235, MI-8 and MI-17 helicopters, PC-6 Porter, LET-410, AN-26, CV-8A Buffalo, C-47, C-47 Turbo Prop, V-22 Osprey, C-12 Sky King, and the C-130 Combat Talon.

Since 1949, Morakon has made jumps during both his military and civilian service. As a test parachutist during his career at the ASOTD, Morakon has conducted both static line and free-fall jumps in support of the organization’s mission. Prior to operational use, test parachutists must assess and alleviate any risks involved in using any airborne-related item, system, or procedure. Any airborne item tested must be a benefit to the Soldier without any compromise to safety.
Morakon has made 4,405 military free-fall jumps. When asked how many static line jumps he has made during his career, he responded lightheartedly and said, “I stopped counting after 500.”
He loves to jump and it shows.

“I don’t fish and I don’t play golf — so I jump,” Morakon explained with a smile. “Besides that, the good Lord keeps me healthy and I’ve never failed a flight physical.”

During Morakon’s military career, he served in Korea and in Vietnam. He joined the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Korea one week after they made their second combat drop.

“I have some vivid memories about the time I served during combat, but I really don’t like to think about it much — there were a lot of bad times. I prefer instead to think about the good times. I vowed that I would learn from the mistakes others made, officers and senior enlisted, and I would not repeat those same mistakes. So far, I haven’t,” Morakon said.

He also held assignments at Fort Bragg and in Germany.

“My favorite assignments have been here at Fort Bragg because of the esprit de corps of all the troops,” he said.

Morakon culminated his 30-year career in 1980 with the 7th Special Forces Group and retired as the command sergeant major of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center.

Some of Morakon’s civilian and military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V Device with 1 oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with V Device with 1 OLC, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 OLC, Good Conduct Medal — 9th Award, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge — 2nd Award, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster Badge, Achievement Medal for Civilian Service and the Special Forces St. Phillip Neri Gold Medal. He is a Special Forces Hall of Fame inductee and a Fort Bragg Lifetime Achievement recipient.

Morakon said he does not have any regrets about serving his country.

“I am honored to be a veteran. I am glad I served and I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus and the Army for everything,” Morakon said.

He then gave a big grin and said, “I would proudly reenlist tomorrow, but at 78, this private just might be too old.”

Morakon’s advice to today’s Soldier is to “stay focused on your mission and never lose your sense of humor, and if you do, you might as well pack your rucksack and go home.”

One of the mementos Morakon kept in his office is a sign that sat by an eagle. The sign reads “Private Poochinneli.” A good friend who served in the 1st Special Service Force during World War II gave Morakon that name because it was for Soldiers who stood out. Every time someone comes in Pete’s office and asks him about Private Poochinneli, he tells them, “that’s who I work for. Everything we do is for that private in the ranks” who is today’s Soldier.