On April 23, 1999, Laura Cochran interviewed Irwin Abrams at his home in Acton, Massachusetts, for the Simmons College Oral History Archives. Abrams, a meteorologist, discusses his career trajectory, starting with his education at New York University and his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. He describes his entry into the meteorology field through the Air Force’s meteorology program and his first assignment in the Azores, where his forecasting skills were crucial for military flight operations during the Berlin Blockade. Abrams details his work as a weather officer in various locations, including the Azores, and later assignments in the U.S., highlighting how meteorological data was vital for aviation and military operations. He recounts specific incidents, such as a crucial forecast for a life-or-death helicopter rescue mission, and explains how tools like radiosondes and graphic forecasting techniques were used before modern satellite technology became widespread. His experiences include working in remote locations with limited resources and contributing to early satellite meteorology during his time on the Tyros Met team. Abrams also reflects on his academic background, studying under prominent figures like Ted Fujita at the University of Chicago, and the evolving nature of meteorological science throughout his career. His account provides insight into the operational challenges of weather forecasting during critical military operations, as well as the technological advancements in the field during the mid-20th century.

On May 20, 1999, Laura Cochran interviewed Irwin Abrams at his home in Acton, Massachusetts, for a project discussing Abrams' career as a meteorologist. Abrams provides a detailed account of his assignments and experiences throughout his career, beginning with his stationing in Shreveport, Louisiana, and later assignments in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He describes his time at a military base near Nakhon Phanom, where his duties involved supporting classified military operations, including electronic monitoring of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Abrams recalls the tense yet relatively peaceful interactions with communist forces across the Mekong River, and the local animist population's primitive living conditions, contrasting with the more sophisticated urban areas. Abrams also discusses his meteorological work in the region, focusing on tropical weather patterns, monsoons, and the use of radar and satellite technology to monitor rainfall along the Mekong River. He further shares insights into the cultural aspects of his time in Thailand, including his observations on Buddhism and his experiences with local Thai military personnel. His accounts include the unique challenges of forecasting weather in a tropical environment and the difficulties faced by military personnel in maintaining personal relationships in remote areas. After his year in Thailand, Abrams returned to the United States, where he continued his career in meteorology, working in various capacities, including at the Air Force's Environmental Technical Application Center and in the private sector as an air quality meteorologist. He reflects on the development of weather forecasting techniques, the increasing use of computers in meteorology, and his eventual transition to a civilian role.