Sgt. 1st Class Mike Abram has told his coworkers at the Pittsburg Post Office many stories about serving in the Military Police Reserves.
That includes stories of serving two tours of duty in Iraq, one tour of duty in Kuwait, and currently serving in Afghanistan. He’s at least visited Guantanamo Bay. That even includes stories of serving as the personal guard for former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
“He spent one of the first nights in the palace over there,” said Abram’s boss at the post office, Jerry Adams. “He had to take Saddam back and forth to court. You know, the guys that have to sweep IEDs from the roadside have it bad enough, but those guys had to escort him back and forth to trial, looking out for attacks.”
Abram, a city carrier, said thanks to his employer by nominating Adams, the supervisor of customer service, for the Patriot Award through the Kansas chapter of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
“This is the only award an individual soldier can put his boss in for,” said Larry Graham, ESGR area chairman. “He did this because of Jerry’s concern and the way he treats Mike with his reserve obligations.”
Adams said he did not know about the award until Wednesday evening. But he said he was not surprised that Abram would have nominated him.
“Mike is quite an honor to supervise,” Adams said. “He is not a problem employee whatsoever. He does a lot for us. We respect what he does in his military life. We’re proud of what he does for us and our country. We’re very proud of him.”
Bob Beasley, Pittsburg postmaster, said that the award fits in with the post office’s goals and fits in with Abram’s work there.
“It’s a treat for us. It’s like the icing on the cake,” Beasley said. “The post office is committed to getting guys off. We are honored to have guys who work in the military. This is nothing surprising from this employee. He is a family-oriented employee.”
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 132.
PITTSBURG —
