In Times of Tragedy,

APWU Members Support Each Other

Rob Strunk

Clerk Division Director

(This article by first appeared in the September/October 2012 issue of

The American Postal Worker magazine.)

Postal workers are a strong lot. We are like one big family; we may argue and fight, but during times of hardship, we come together and support one another.

When I came to work on the morning of July 20 and opened my computer, I saw a picture of a man exhibiting such terror and grief that I froze. It was Tom Sullivan, a postal worker I have known for years. Tom’s son, Alex, who I had met years before, was part of the movie theatre audience in Aurora, CO, on the night of the tragic shooting. Tom was in anguish because he couldn’t find his son.

We all learned about the horrific event that left 11 people dead — including Alex Sullivan — and more than 50 wounded. Alex Sullivan was a remarkable individual. I cannot do justice to his memory like those closest to him can.

I can, however, speak of Tom’s strength and dignity as a grieving father. During the darkest hours, Tom drew strength from within and from friends, family and supporters. At Alex’s funeral, he was able to draw from somewhere deep inside to share stories about his son’s life. Tom’s wife and daughter were pillars of strength. Alex’s wife listened gracefully as others spoke of her newly-wed husband.

Tom and I talked several times during the week of the memorial, funeral, burial and good old Irish wake. Tom told me about his meeting with President Barack Obama and the compassion demonstrated by our president. He could not extend enough praise for the first responders and he encouraged everyone to thank them every day because, “You just don’t know when they will be there for you.” Tom also spoke about the phone call he received from Wayne Gretsky, Alex’s all-time favorite hockey player.

Then, with a twinkle in his eye, Tom spoke with deep pride of his union. The union’s ability to reach out to him and be there when he needed support was incredible, he said. Tom received cards, letters and calls from all over the country.

Shelly Lucido and Dan Van Minnen of the Aurora Local stood by Tom to support him while dealing with an unsupportive postal management team in Aurora that could not have been more insensitive. Stories will be told of their actions, but not at this time, when we are honoring a member of our family.

I know I speak for Tom when I say your compassion made a difference. And to Tom I say, “You go, War Eagle, you go!”