Fourth generation Croatian, David Morris, has enlisted into the Navy
Fourth generation Croatian, David Morris, has enlisted into the Navy in January 2004. He is graduating from boot camp in March and will continue his training as a machinist mate.
David, born 1982, and his mother Carolyn Babich Morris have been active in the Croatian community in New York City. During '91-'95 they have joined demonstrations in front of the United Nations for a peaceful, independent and democratic Croatia. They assisted in collecting first aid to Croatia, signed petitions and called the White House to urge the U.S. government to get involved, helping Croatia.
His training is taking place in Great Lakes, IL and David is away from home for the first time in his life. Growing up in New York, David loved to play soccer, is a computer whiz, interested in music, movies, TV and driving his mother's car. He loves animals, especially his three cats Nicky and Pepper who were adopted and Lucky whom he rescued.
David's grandfather was Matthew Babich, who was born in California in 1919, where he died in 1991. He served in the U.S. Navy along with his brother Jack. Matthew was stationed in U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, where he worked as a minesweeper. He rose to the rank of an officer and was honorably discharged.
In 1903, the United States agreed to lease 45 square miles of land and water at Guantanamo Bay. It is the oldest U.S. base overseas and the only one in a Communist country. Following the attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001 it serves as the War on Terrorism Detainee Mission.
David's great grandfather was John Ivan Babich, born in Mostar and emigrated to the U.S. around 1910's via Ellis Island. He settled in California, where he met his wife Marija Mary Dragovich, who was born in Hvar, Croatia.
Besides being homesick, getting mail is important to David. If you have a few minutes, kindly forward a note or a postcard to David, wishing him good luck. David's address:
S. R. Morris, David A.
Division 917
Ship 04
Recruit Training Command
3301 Indiana Street
Great Lakes, IL 60088-3127
Thank You!
Submitted by: Katarina Tepesh
New York City, March 12, 2004
