Patrick Abrams

The recipient of Two Purple Hearts, First Sergeant (1SG) Patrick Abrams’ outstanding military career spans over 30 years, with combined service in the United States Army and the New York Army National Guard. 1SG Abrams has served two combat deployments during his years of service: from 1971-1972, he served with the 101st Airborne Division in the Republic of Vietnam; and in 2004, he served with C/2/108th Infantry 1st Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In addition to two Purple Hearts, 1SG Abrams has received numerous military awards and decorations, including two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge; he retired from the Army in 2007. In his civilian life, 1SG Abrams served 26 years as an officer with the City of Cohoes Police Department, retiring in 2003 with the rank of Lieutenant.

1SG Abrams currently volunteers at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. He also volunteers with the STRIDE/Wounded Warrior program and has served as the co-chairperson for the Wounded Warrior ski weekend event during the past two years. In 2011, he was appointed by Congressman Chris Gibson to serve on the Congressman’s service academy selection committee.

Born and educated in Troy, New York, 1SG Abrams graduated from LaSalle Institute and Hudson Valley Community College, and in addition, earned a BS in Criminal Science and a MS in Public Management from Russell Sage College. A life member of both the Veterans of Lansingburgh and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, 1SG Abrams is also member of the Disabled American Veterans. He and his wife of 34 years, Carolyn, have 4 children and reside in the Town of Brunswick.