Huron Post Office dedicated in honor of First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin
- Tea Weekly Staff
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
The Huron community gathered on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, for a ceremony dedicating the city’s post office in honor of one of its own—First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin. The United States Postal Service facility located at 410 Dakota Avenue South is now officially designated the First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin Post Office Building, following the passage of S.3267 by Congress.
The dedication event drew local leaders, military veterans, and residents to honor the memory and service of Martin, a native of Huron and a distinguished member of the United States Army. Martin was also a member of the Tea American Legion.
Martin, born October 10, 1980, in Huron, was a fifth-generation Beadle County native. In 1998, he enlisted in the United States Army as a Field Artilleryman. In 2001, Tom was accepted for admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and later graduated from Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Tom majored in Military Science. He was commissioned as an Armor Officer and completed the course at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Tom reported to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Richardson, Alaska where he assumed responsibility as the Sniper Platoon Leader and deployed with the unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in September 2006.
First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin was killed in action on October 14, 2007, in Iraq. Tom was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart Medal posthumously. His previous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
He was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Overseas Ribbon w/numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab.
He was buried in the West Point National Cemetery and will forever be remembered as a little boy who became a man with undaunted determination, fiercely dedicated to his men, his mission, and his country.
“1LT Martin’s legacy will live on,” said Senator Rounds. “This post office will stand as a reminder of the true price of freedom.” Rounds also recognized Martin’s Gold Star parents, Candy and Ed, during the ceremony for their strength and sacrifice.