In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, I am pleased to present the August 2003 Veteran of the Month – David K. Summarell.

Dave Summarell joined the Air Force in 1949 and after Technical School was sent to Asiha, Japan and soon began training as a Flight Engineer on C-54 Cargo Aircraft, flying combat cargo missions to Korea. In 1952, Dave returned to the United States and was assigned to special Air Missions in Washington, DC where he was assigned to Bolling Force Base and spent five years flying missions with the “VIP’s” of the nation including the Secretary of Army and Secretary of Defense.

In 1960, Dave was cross-trained into the Tactical Missiles, serving a tour in Germany as the Launch Combat Crew Chief on Mace Missiles. When he returned again to the United States, he became an instructor teaching combat crew training for both officers and enlisted crews. In 1967, Dave became a Launch Crew Chief Evaluator, determining the combat readiness of the 498 Tac Missile Group.

Dave arrived at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 1968 and was assigned to the 44th Strategic Missile Wing. Shortly after his arrival, he became the Maintenance Superintendent of Munitions Maintenance. In the three years he was assigned to that position, the 28th Munitions Maintenance Squadron was named the Best Munitions Squadron for three years in a row. Dave retired on October 1, 1976 after 27 years and 6 months in the military with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

During his military career, Dave acquired many awards including: the Air Crew Members Badge, Master Missile Badge, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 5 Battle Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Presidents Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Commendation Award and others too numerous to mention.

Dave lives in Rapid City and is married to the former Ernestine Zimmerman since June 19, 1954. They have two daughters with 3 grand children and they all live in Rapid City. Dave is Vice Chairman of the Veterans Coordination Commission and a Life Member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Retired Enlisted Association of Rapid City. Staying active and helping other Veterans makes Dave Summarell an excellent example for the Veteran of the Month Program.