FEEDBACK FRIDAY – MORRIS JOHNSON JR.: FROM WAR TO DRAG RACING

FEEDBACK ARTICLE – MORRIS JOHNSON JR.: FROM WAR TO DRAG RACING
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There are many patriots in this country, however it takes a special one to serve his country. I applaud all of those willing to risk their lives for the cause of democracy. Morris, you are a truly remarkable person. I have known you for all of my life, and never known that you fought in Vietnam. I know this is because you are a quiet hero that does not boast to recieve praise for your service. You are truly an inspiration to all of those who know you and those who do not. I thank you for your service to this country but also for your impact on my life.

You have been a great friend of my family and always treated me as if I was one of your own children. I will never forget the time you put me in the freezing cold lake and I "walked on water". You bring joy to the lives of everyone you come in contact with and that makes you not only a war hero, but a hero everyday
to those around you. Thanks! - Lindsey Edwards

FEEDBACK ARTICLE – MORRIS JOHNSON JR.: FROM WAR TO DRAG RACING
5_27_2009_johnson.jpg

There are many patriots in this country, however it takes a special one to serve his country. I applaud all of those willing to risk their lives for the cause of democracy. Morris, you are a truly remarkable person. I have known you for all of my life, and never known that you fought in Vietnam. I know this is because you are a quiet hero that does not boast to recieve praise for your service. You are truly an inspiration to all of those who know you and those who do not. I thank you for your service to this country but also for your impact on my life.

You have been a great friend of my family and always treated me as if I was one of your own children. I will never forget the time you put me in the freezing cold lake and I "walked on water". You bring joy to the lives of everyone you come in contact with and that makes you not only a war hero, but a hero everyday
to those around you. Thanks! - Lindsey Edwards


I am a 10 year veteran of the US Naval Submarine service, from 1980 to 1990. I am also an avid drag racer. In the late 80s I was a crewmember for an independant Pro Stock racer named Ralph Ferra based out of Northern Rhode Island. One of the great experiences I had with Ralph was competing at the Molson Le Grandnationale in Montreal in 1987 and meeting Morris then. It was a simple handshake and a few words, but I have very clear memories of being very impressed with him and his team and the success that he was having. He was an independent, just as we were. The story you wrote on competition plus has been greatly informative for me. I'm happy to know that Morris is doing better these days and also somewhat saddened that a promising career as a VERY competitive
Pro Stock racer was cut short by the after affects resulting from the valuable service that Morris gave to our country. I was not exposed to any combat in my years of service with the Navy, but I was in some very extreme operating environments that demanded a high level of mental toughness, teamwork, technical expertise and dedication to duty.

I also get emotional and still stand at attention while looking at our flag when the national anthem is played, remembering for a moment the people that have served and are currently serving in our armed forces and the freedom that we all enjoy as a result. I greatly appreciate the service to our country that Morris gave. I am also glad to see Morris racing and succeeding again. Thank you this story. God bless and Godspeed Morris. I'm a big fan! - Don Strong
 

5-29-2009

This story about Morris was an excellent tribute to a decorated Veteran and a dedicated drag racer.

We should all be inspired by his valor, sense of duty, and commitment to his country.

Now, for those who don't believe that an underdog can prevail on the race track, Morris proved them wrong. That day Morris put Bob Glidden on the trailer first round will go down in history with a small group of racers and spectators who understand what it took to accomplish that.  We should all hope to be more like Morris in our own lives.

I want to thank CP for bringing such a great article to print, and sharing the story of a man who gave all he had, and then some. - Darryl Smith

 


It was great to see Morris in action again.  Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins said the three best Pro Stock drivers of all time were Larry Lombardo, Morris Johnson, Jr., and Dave Connelly.  I was very touched by his story and hope to see him at more ADRL races. - George Kerr


Hats off to Morris Johnson Jr. Veterans get a very rude treatment while serving our country and they get nothing back in return. As the saying goes “All gave some, But some gave all”. - Jerry E. Lollie


I am truly touched by this article.  Even though I have known my father all 31 years of my life I have never heard him talk about his days at war. I am proud that he has come to terms with his disorder and I have always been proud of where he came from and the hard work it took to get him where he was at one time and even where he is today.  He never gave up.  I admire his strength.  I love you Morris Johnson Jr.  My daddy, always. - Leslie Johnson


What a great story on Morris. I met Morris at Richmond Dragway probably close to 30 years ago during a weekly bracket event. He was there testing his small block Pro Stock Vega. When it came time for eliminations there was Morris in the staging lanes running Super Pro. Just one of the guys. We all thought this would be an easy mark and everybody rushed in the lane behind him. We were wrong, as he ended up winning the event. He hung around afterwards & made friends with everybody. He is a class act & has a heart as big as his aspirations. He has also helped so many people on many levels with no reward in mind. Racing can surely use a man of his stature & integrity. Keep up the great work. - John Dickey/Brett Dickey


I had the opportunity to join Morris, George and Dustin this weekend to race. I must admit, he is one hell of a man. I wasn't sure how the weekend would turn out, the first thing he said was "Oh no, not another kid with holes and hair." but as we made our way down to Memphis, we spoke some and came to an understanding. Once I proved that I wasn't just a "kid" and showed that I could become an asset to the team, we became friends. I definitely look forward to racing with him in the future, and hopefully everything works out so we can make it to Michigan. He did say several times that it would mean a lot for him to be able to make the race up there. In spite of the car not wanting to run properly this weekend we all still had a blast. - Casey Dalton


Morris, I am ex-Navy but never saw any fighting. You, Sir, are an American hero because you fought to defend MY freedom and I thank you for your sacrifice! I, too, get choked up at our National Anthem, just like you do and understand just what is in your heart. I wish you nothing but success this season & the rest of your life. With much gratitude for you service to this fine country. - Ray Rains.


Welcome home and I will be following your ADRL success. – Jeff Walker


The more I learn about the personal lives of a lot of racers, the more I realize that there are many out there that deserve more recognition than they get, not only as racers, but as outstanding human beings. Thanks for the wonderful story. - Harvey Baker


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