Marine Corps Base Quantico -- For the last time Deborah J. Summers, will park in her parking spot and greet the military and civilian workforce in her office, where she sat at her desk and tackled issues quickly but with poise.
A patriotic retirement ceremony was held to honor Summers’ 37 years of government service at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Aug. 6. The ceremony was presided over by Sheryl E. Murray, assistant deputy commandant Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA).
“The year of 1978 some significant things happened, but most importantly the federal government hired Deborah as a GS-2 typist and that was the beginning of her 37-year commitment,” said Micheal F. Applegate, director of Manpower and Reserve Affairs Dept. Headquarters.
The story of leadership and sacrifice is shown years later when Deborah took a demotion from GS-6 to GS-5 in order to gain experience as a leader in management in the mid-1980’s.
“The great turn the human resources community went though was felt by family, civilians and service members; however one thing was constant and that was Deborah Summers,” said Murray. “[Summers] has been unflappable, funny, always engaged and the point we all look at to guide us within the boundaries of what was right.”
The Philadelphia native worked as the director of the Civilian Resources for the U.S. Marine Corps, Manpower Plans and Policy Division, M&RA, from April 2007 to August 2015.
During sequestration thousands of civilians in the workforce were subject to furlough and things changed daily.
“She had a phenomenal ability to inspire and motivate a team, through fright, preparation, and the execution of furloughs,” mentioned Murray.
The Marine Corps embraced the civilian workforce, whose efforts take care of the war fighters and their families.
“We gather here to recognize the sterling career of Deborah Summers, the finest example of a human recourses expert,” said Tom Damisch, former assistant general counsel for M&RA. “Her powerful sense of duty and a work ethic knows no end.”
Damisch continued in a prayer saying, “Her success in those efforts is measured in large part by the recognition of great value Civilian Marines provide for the success of the Marine Corps mission which established relationships that will long endure her departure from [her career].”
Summers addressed the audience surrounded by ambiance of the historic museum.
“My father, a WWII veteran, would be in awe if he was here,” said Summers who attributes so much of her success to the support of the mother and father.
As a single parent for many years that she climbed the ladder of success.
“While my mother dedicated so much time to her career, she has also been a remarkable role model and taught me to have a great work ethic and create balance for family,” said Melissa Chalkias Summers’ daughter.
Surrounded by family, colleagues and service members, Summers was given a heroine’s farewell.
“Marines measure success by how you left your mission, did you adhere to that moral calling of leaving it better that when you got here? Yes Deborah did, and for her wisdom and technical expertise the Marine Corps is better off today than it was 15 years ago,” said Tony T. Ramos, director of the Department of the Navy Office of Civilian Human Recourses.
— Writer: iirby@quanticosentryonline.com