Arizona Naval Officer
Meets Marion Overseas

Posted: July 2, 2003

Chief Petty Officer Matt Morris is an 18-year Navy veteran and Phoenix native stationed in the Middle East , who was recently surprised by a visit from Suns All-Star Shawn Marion. The Matrix was one of a group of athletes and celebrities who performed and met with military personnel through Project Salute 2003, a tour of military bases designed to show appreciation for the men and women who fight to protect America's freedoms.

Suns.com traded e-mails with Morris, who shared his thoughts on his military career, his return home this fall, his new Suns’ season tickets and the opportunity to meet one of his favorite players a half-world away from home.

Suns.com: How did you first become a Suns fan and what are some of your earliest memories?

Matt Morris: Having been raised in Phoenix, I remember my father taking me to some of my first games in the mid-'70s at the "Mad House on McDowell." One of my earliest memories was that triple-OT game in the (1976 NBA Finals) vs. the Celtics. Then wondering why we traded Dennis Johnson to Boston for Rick Robey.

Suns.com: How long did you live in Phoenix and when did you leave?

Morris: I lived in Phoenix from 1969-85. I left Phoenix for the Navy after graduating from high school (Trevor Browne '85).

Suns.com: How long have you been in the Navy and what are your duties?

Morris: July 1st was18 years in the Navy. I am a Chief Petty Officer and currently I am the Flight Deck Maintenance Coordinator for a S-3B Viking squadron based out of San Diego. I coordinate the maintenance efforts of over 60 technicians and workers on six S-3B Viking aircraft. The S-3 is the same aircraft that flew President George Bush aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln after returning from deployment in May.

Suns.com: When do you expect to return to Arizona and how do you expect the transition to be?

Morris: Since the death of my father six years ago, I felt it was time for me to return home and be near my family. Since I am in the Navy, being a recruiter was the only way possible for me to return to the Phoenix area. I feel very positive about serving the Navy as a recruiter and I am anxious about returning home after being gone for 18 years. I should be transferring in late September and report for duty sometime in November, just in time for the start of the Suns season.

Suns.com: What was it like to meet Shawn Marion on his recent trip to the Middle East?

Morris: There was talk about the ship of a USO show. They mentioned there would be celebrities, musicians and NBA stars. We didn't know which players were coming to the ship until that day. When I saw the list with Shawn's name on it, I found my camera and made it my mission to get his picture. As you can imagine, he was swarmed by hundreds of fans, so we didn't really have the time to talk. We engaged in some small talk (telling him I was from the Valley and a lifetime Suns fan) and I thanked him for coming out to the ship to visit us. He seemed in awe of being on an aircraft carrier with 80-plus aircraft onboard.

Suns.com: What did it mean to the troops to get to see these athletes and celebrities up close?

Morris: It meant the world to us!!! It showed us that they actually do care. Anyone who would fly half way around the world to say thanks, speaks volumes. While onboard they "pre-picked" crew members who would play one-on-one against Shawn and the game of H-O-R-S-E. The USO show put on an awesome concert headlined by Wayne Newton (Mr. Las Vegas), and other entertainers including Neil McCoy (country singer), Paul Rogdriquez (comedian), Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders and Alyssa Milano. After the show, they were all available to give autographs and have their pictures taken.

Suns.com: What was it like to talk to the celebrities who came aboard?

Morris: They surprised a lot of us by being so interested in what we do. They asked us questions about what we do and wanted to look around the ship, and take a closer look at the aircraft. However, they just seemed to be content talking to the crew about life in general.

Suns.com: How long have you been in the Middle East and what has that whole experience been like for you?

Morris: I am onboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and we departed San Diego on March 3rd. Currently, we have been in the Persian Gulf since the beginning of April. Knowing that we are here making a difference in changing the world to make it a better place is priceless. I miss my family and friends. However. I have no objections about what I am doing or where I am.

Suns.com: Do you have family in the States waiting for you, or even here in Phoenix?

Morris: Yes, my mother resides in Phoenix and my brother lives in Chandler with his family.

Suns.com: How closely have you followed the Suns in recent years and how difficult is that when you are overseas?

Morris: Well, with the time difference (+10 hours) I would wake up at 4:30am to watch the Suns-Spurs playoff series on TV. Over the past few years, I have had to rely on the Internet to keep up on what is going on within the organization.

Suns.com: Who were/are your favorite Suns players through the years?

Morris: Tough question. Probably to name a few... Tom Chambers, KJ, Dan Majerle, Walter Davis, Kyle Macy, Charles Barkley, Mark West (most underrated player during '92-93 season), Danny Manning, Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd. But you have to love two plays that I will never forget... KJ slam dunking over Hakeem (Olajuwon) and Rex Chapman hitting the three-point shot with like 1.7 seconds left in the game vs. Seattle (Game 4, First Round, '97 playoffs).

Suns.com: Talk about becoming a Suns season ticket holder after following the team all of these years.

Morris: I have always wanted NBA season tickets, but I have lived places where there was no team (San Diego, Honolulu and Japan) so I thought this was the perfect time for me to "jump" onboard the Suns' team and purchase season tickets.

Suns.com: Have you ever been to a game at America West Arena? How excited are you about being there on a regular basis next year?

Morris: Over the years I have been to games at AWA. I even attended Game 1 of the Suns-Bulls championship series in 1993. Knowing that I will be able to go there on a regular basis is awesome. I am already getting e-mails from my brother and friends who know I have tickets wanting me to take them.