Navy Counselor 1st Class Cherie L. Morton

Died April 20, 2008 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

---

40, of Bakersfield, Calif.; assigned to Naval Security Force, Naval Support Activity Bahrain; died April 20 in Galali, Muharraq, Bahrain.

---

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Cherie L. Morton remembered

The Associated Press

Cherie L. Morton, known as “Ree” to her friends, was known for her dedication and professionalism, which helped all those she provided career counseling to.

“She wore her uniform with great pride and she stood for honor, courage and commitment,” close friend Renee Anderson told participants during a memorial service. “Ree was meticulous and did everything with pride and dedication.”

Morton, 40, born in Rockville, Ill., was discovered dead in her living room on April 20 after apparently suffering a head injury in Bahrain. She was assigned to Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

Among those who paid tribute to her were masons from the Eastern Sun Military Lodge 198 in Saudi Arabia. She was “a beautiful woman who honored our time while she was among us,” they said. “We pray that Cherie’s family and friends’ hearts be mended during this time of sorrow.”

She is survived by her son, Brian Trevor.

“She was always there for her peers, friends and family and she loved to socialize, shop and dress well,” Anderson said. “She just enjoyed life to its fullest. She will be missed by all.”