Senior Master Sgt Michel Summers 315 AW

Senior Master Sgt. Michele Summers poses in front of a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. May 10, 2012. Sergeant Summers was named the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Reservist of the Year May 23 during the Chamber’s 2012 Salute to the Military at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston, S.C. Sergeant Summers is a 315th Airlift Wing production superintendent. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Michael Dukes)

Charleston Chamber names 315th Airman as "Reservist of the Year"

Published May 24, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis
315 AW Public Affairs

Joint Base Charleston, S.C. -- Senior Master Sgt. Michele Summers, 315th Airlift Wing production superintendent, was named the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Reservist of the Year May 23 during the Chamber's 2012 Salute to the Military at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston, S.C.

Sergeant Summers was selected for the award due to her outstanding contributions as a volunteer where she gave more than 460 hours of her time to numerous organizations in the Charleston area.

Her volunteer efforts included working with the Women in Aviation Palmetto Chapter where she orchestrated and participated in the annual WIA career day. She also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and serves as committee chair for the Habitat for Humanity Women Build volunteer group. She participated in the Trident United Way Day of Caring, and she worked with children at the Carolina Youth Development Center, River Oaks Middle School, and Hunley Park Elementary School.

Additionally, Sergeant Summers volunteers as a member of the 315 AW Mini C-17 team, and she participated in the annual Joint Base Charleston POW/MIA 24 hour vigil run.

Sergeant Summers spent seven years on active duty before joining the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 2000, and she has 19 years of service with the USAF.

"Being recognized as the Reservist of the Year makes me feel good," said Sergeant Summers. "I love what I do as a volunteer, and the real reward comes from the impact I make in the community."

Sergeant Summers also said the 2012 Chamber Salute to the Military was a nice opportunity to see what other volunteers are doing to bring positive changes in other Charleston communities and organizations.