Tyndall spouse awarded AFOWC scholarship

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrea Valencia
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affaris
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Getting a master's degree is difficult in itself, however one Air Force spouse is able to juggle school and work full-time while also taking care of her family.

Jennifer Sumler, wife of Maj. Kenneth Sumler, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operations officer, received a $4,000 scholarship given on behalf of the Air Force Officer's Wives Club of Washington, D.C.

"I was greatly honored to have been chosen as one of the recipients," said Sumler. 

She was presented her scholarship award by Mrs. Suzie Schwartz, honorary president of the Air Force Officers Wives Club of Washington, D.C. and wife of the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz.

The ceremony was held May 16 at the Schwartz home in Ft. Myer, Va., on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. The events included a social reception, a buffet-style lunch and a presentation of the scholarship awards.

"At first, I was a bit overwhelmed since we were at the personal home of the top ranking officer in the Air Force," Sumler said. "After talking with Mrs. Schwartz and the other ladies, I became much more relaxed."

The club opened the scholarship to all U.S. Air Force spouses. It was given in order to advance the educational and career opportunities of Air Force spouses. Sumler submitted an application, proof of enrollment and wrote an essay on continuing her education and what it means to support her Air Force spouse.

The scholarship will go toward her second master's degree in Accounting at Keller Graduate School of Management online.

"I am studying to become a Certified Public Accountant. The scholarship will be applied to that course of study," she said. "Once I receive my CPA license I hope to go into the field of Forensic Accounting."

Sumler currently works for the Department of the Navy as a Budget Technician on Naval Support Activity, Panama City.