AFA Swamp Fox Leader Wins International Recognition

At a mother-daughter-themed celebration filled with women leaders, educators, veterans, entrepreneurs, and community champions, Cheryl R. Moye, vice president of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Swamp Fox Chapter 298, accepted the 2026 Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce ATHENA International Leadership Award with an unwavering commitment to empower future generations.

The surprise celebration, hosted by the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, honored Moye, whose life has been defined by servant leadership, military excellence, and an enduring passion for creating opportunities for others.

Initially standing before an audience of accomplished women, Moye reflected not on personal achievement, but on the countless individuals and organizations that helped shape her journey.

She began where her journey has always begun—with gratitude.

“First, I thank God for the gift of another day and for allowing me to stand among so many remarkable women who continue to transform our communities through leadership and service,” said Moye

She then paid tribute to the woman who first taught her what leadership looks like, her mother, Jo Ann Purter, a single mother who raised three children with faith, perseverance, compassion, and unconditional love.

“Everything I am today is rooted in the values she modeled through love, sacrifice, resilience, and selfless service,” Moye said.

Those lessons became the cornerstone of Moye’s life. At just 19 years old, she assumed the responsibility of helping care for her mother, an experience that cultivated a lifelong commitment to advocating for women, veterans, military families, youth, and underserved communities.

Another defining chapter began when she enlisted in the United States Air Force.

What initially appeared to be a career opportunity became the blessing of a lifetime of purpose, leadership, education, faith, family, and generational impact.

“The United States Air Force didn’t simply provide me a career. God tapped me on the shoulder and gave me the bundle package. It provided education, world travels, and my family a future,” Moye said.

“It gave me leadership opportunities, financial stability, lifelong friendships, and experiences that transformed my life. The Air Force became part of my family’s generational wealth not measured solely in dollars, but through the opportunities, values, discipline, and legacy passed from one generation to the next.”

During her distinguished 28-year military career, Moye rose to the rank of chief master sergeant, serving in some of the Air Force’s most demanding and momentous assignments, including the Pentagon.

Yet, she insists her greatest accomplishment has never been the rank she achieved, but the lives she has helped along the way.

Today, through the Air & Space Forces Association Swamp Fox Chapter and numerous civic, educational, military, and nonprofit organizations, Moye continues building bridges that connect veterans, legislators, educators, military families, community leaders, and young people to opportunities that strengthen both local communities and the nation.

She also recognized the ATHENA award nominator she credits for helping expand her impact, AFA Swamp Fox Chapter President David “Bush” Hanson.

Moye praised Hanson’s mentorship, confidence, encouragement, and unwavering belief in her abilities. She credited his leadership and continued support through multiple other nominations and professional opportunities as instrumental in growing her humanitarian service throughout South Carolina.

The International ATHENA Leadership Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement, community leadership, and a steadfast commitment to developing women leaders.

For Moye, however, the award symbolizes something far greater than personal recognition.

“This award belongs to every woman here in this room and every mentor who believed in me, every organization that opened a door, every volunteer who served beside me, and every young person whose future we continue working to improve,” Moye told the audience.

Over the past year, Moye’s honors have included the national Air & Space Forces Association Exceptional Service Award, which she received twice; the Sumter Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Chapter Community Service of the Year Award; a display of her service dress uniform at the Sumter Military Museum; among others.

Moye provided some of the women in the room with compact mirrors bearing messages such as, “Sometimes you forget you’re awesome, beautiful, special or worthy, so this is your reminder.”

“Look yourself in the eyes and recognize your own worth. Please know that you are more than just somebody. Own your purpose. Embrace your value. Never underestimate the influence you have on those who are standing on your shoulders.”

She refers to these tools as “mental wealth reflectors.”

 As she concluded her remarks, Moye left the audience with a challenge that reflected the very essence of the ATHENA Award.

“Although we still have room to grow, our work is not finished,” she said. “Together, we must continue lifting one another, celebrating one another, investing in one another, and inspiring generations yet to come.”