Andrea Summerlin Becomes First Ever Female Named as Department Commander of Oregon Veterans of Foreign Wars
Andrea Summerlin was named the Department Commander of the Oregon Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for 2024-2025, making her the first woman to lead the Oregon VFW. She began her duties on July 1, replacing the previous commander, Richard Eubank.
Summerlin joined the Air Force in 1985 a year after graduating from Gervais High School. She served as a Health Services Craftsman her entire career and retired in 2005 as a Master Sergeant (E-7). Summerlin earned VFW eligibility through her two tours in South Korea. She is a proud Gold Legacy Life member.
Duty Stations included: Spangdahlem AB, West Germany; Iraklion AS, Crete, Greece; Tinker AFB, Oklahoma; Kunsan AB, South Korea; Bitburg AB, Germany; Beale AFB, California; Osan AB, South Korea; and Nellis AFB, Nevada.
Awards include: Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 OLC, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 OLCs, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 OLC, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with 2 OLCs, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with 2 OLCs, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with 1 OLC, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3 OLCs, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 SOLC and 2 OLCs, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 SOLC, and the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with 2 BOLCs.
Since her military retirement, she has been employed at Mariposa County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Yosemite National Park, and the Youth Development Coalition of Lincoln County. After earning her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California in 2016, she has worked at Wolf Creek Job Corps and Angell Job Corps as both a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Guidance Counselor, where she assists youth ages 16-24 to earn a trade certification, high school diploma and learn skills needed to be successful.
Summerlin is a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Korean War Veterans Association, and the Military Order of Cooties. She is also involved in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Oregon Coast Veterans Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, Toastmasters International, and was recently appointed to the Lincoln County Fair board. In addition, she is a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, The Retired Enlisted Association, and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, writing, attending Anime Conventions with her son and competing in Masters level track and field events. Andrea has two children and resides in Seal Rock with her family.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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