U.S. Senator Mike Rounds participated in a ceremony to rename the United States Postal Service office in Huron, South Dakota, as the First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin Post Office Building. The renaming is a result of legislation introduced by Rounds in November 2023 and enacted into law a year later.
First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin, originally from Huron, was part of a family with deep roots in Beadle County. Born in 1980, he moved around due to his parents’ military service before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1998. He attended West Point and served until his death during combat operations in Iraq on October 14, 2007.
Rounds stated at the ceremony, “As of this week, Huron’s USPS office is officially named the ‘First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin Post Office Building’ to honor one of South Dakota’s heroes.” He expressed gratitude for those who attended the event, especially Martin’s parents, Candy and Ed.
Ed Martin remarked on his son’s enduring legacy: “A person dies twice. The first time their last breath is taken and the second time their name is spoken for the last time.” He appreciated that Tom’s name would continue to be spoken in Huron.
The renaming ceremony included remarks from Rounds and Ed Martin. Other features were a Presentation of Colors by the South Dakota National Guard’s 153rd Engineering Battalion and performances by local groups such as Huron Boy Scouts Troop 222.
1LT Martin’s background includes education at West Point where he played rugby and earned various distinctions including his Parachutist Badge. After graduating in May 2005, he became an Armor Officer and later completed Ranger School. In June 2006, he joined the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Richardson before deploying to Iraq.
