919th SOW announces Key Spouse of the Year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dylan M. Gentile
  • 919th Special Operations Wing
Some military spouses feel a special calling to help other military families settle into new homes and new lifestyles, so they join the Key Spouse Program. One of those extraordinary people who goes above and beyond at the 919th Special Operations Wing is Tammy Summers, the 919th SOW Key Spouse of the Year.

“Mrs. Tammy Summers is a model representative of one of our biggest support networks in the 919th SOW,” said Col. Kevin Merrill, commander of the 919th SOW. “The Key Spouses are critical to mission success”

Summers joined the Key Spouse Program in 2016 with the 2nd Special Operations Squadron. Since then, she has mentored multiple key spouses, volunteered with charities and helped many families in the unit integrate into the local community.

“When I found out I won Key Spouse of the Year it was overwhelming,” said Summers. “I was overjoyed and could barely contain myself.”

Moving to a new unit can be hard, and Summers shared that feeling when she first arrived at the 2nd SOS.

“When I first got here, I wanted to connect to other military families,” said Summers. “I also just wanted to give back to the people that do so much for us.”

As a key spouse, Summers organizes events, supports families during stressful times, and volunteers in the local area. She works to build bridges between isolated families and create a sense of community for people, all going through something different, but sharing many common struggles.

“She goes beyond the call,” said Merrill. “She’s volunteering in the local community to make our towns a better place to live for everyone.”

The 919th SOW is always in need of key spouses. If you’re interested in volunteering, check out the key spouse link under “Duke Field Info” on 919sow.afrc.af.mil, or contact the military family and readiness center at 850-883-6474.