Each month the Defense Department celebrates the contributions of Americans to the nation. For Army Col. Abraham Suhr, a dedicated military physician, a simple block of American cheese brings back memories of a connection between his family and the U.S. Army.
During the Korean War, Suhr's father and father-in-law were only 10 years old. His grandfather was captured and never heard from again. Suhr credits his grandmother and the assistance of American service members for his father and his father's six siblings' survival during that challenging time.
"My father has a deep appreciation for the sacrifice it took for each American soldier to leave their families to come to Korea to defend people they didn't even know," Suhr said.
Suhr's father-in-law always keeps some American cheese in the refrigerator. Suhr recalls asking him about it one day.
"He remembers an American military member giving him something. [He remembers] opening up the mystery, [and] it was a block of American cheese. He still remembers the creaminess. I am reminded of the long-lasting power of a simple act of service," Suhr said.
Both Suhr's father and father-in-law immigrated to the United States as young adults to pursue education, build careers, and start families. Suhr grew up in San Luis Obispo, California, and his commitment to academic excellence earned him acceptance to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences for medical school. To attend, he commissioned with the Army in 1997.
"Joining the Army or even the military was not on my radar during all my planning and preparation for medical school," he said. "However, when I interviewed at the Uniformed Services University, I fell in love with the community and all the opportunities within the military and military medicine. Current medical students were enthusiastic about attending USU and would not stop talking about all the unique opportunities and tremendous support given to medical students."
Suhr's dedication led him to specialize in ophthalmology. "Eyesight is extremely valuable to people," he said. "We make a quick and noticeable improvement in someone's life with the right diagnosis and management. It's rewarding professionally and personally."
Suhr currently serves as the deputy commander for Surgical Services at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. His leadership and expertise support LRMC's mission to ensure the readiness of joint domain warfighters by providing exceptional care through the center's surgical clinics and operating rooms.
"Joining the military has provided me an opportunity to collaborate with highly skilled professionals from various backgrounds," Suhr said. "It has given me the chance to travel and experience different parts of the United States and the world. While in the military, I accomplished my professional goals and have taken care of the most appreciative patients in the world. I value all my opportunities and experiences of being part of the military."
Suhr often reflects on how his father and father-in-law's experiences with the military have influenced his own distinguished Army career. "What we do, or do not do, can have a tremendous and long-lasting impact on individuals and even generations," he said. "Think about the [service member] giving the block of cheese. We may be oblivious to the significance of what we did and unaware of the extent of the impact. However, maybe it is good enough to know of the potential, so that it motivates us to always serve well."
With over two decades of exemplary service, Suhr offers advice to young soldiers: "Seek to build relationships with all sorts of people, especially with those you would not normally befriend. Remain humble, and ask yourself what you can learn from someone else, regardless of their rank or background. The military definitely gives people opportunity; it is up to you to seize them."
Suhr's story exemplifies the strength the Army gains through the commitment and talent of its all-volunteer force.