SHAW AIR FORCE BASE,S.C. -- A senior NCO assigned to 9th Air Force will receive the Military Citizen of the Year award Saturday at Hilton Head, S.C. from the Sumter Chamber of Commerce for her contributions to the community.

Master Sgt. Angela Tristan, 9th Air Force first sergeant, is "a true role model for all," said Lt. Gen. Gary North, 9th AF and U.S. Central Air Forces Command commander "Master Sgt. Tristan is committed to the daily mission of supporting and providing for our Airmen. Her proven leadership and unmatched work ethics, coupled with her tireless community involvement, make her the perfect choice for this award."

Sergeant Tristan was told of her selection Dec. 28. She will be officially recognized Saturday during the Chamber of Commerce annual retreat.

"I was very shocked. It was very humbling (to be chosen)," Sergeant Tristan said. "There are so many Airmen doing great things for the mission and in the local community."

Sergeant Tristan participates in many community activities, particularly working with youth. She works at a children's home downtown and is a leader of a 4-H club and coaches youth soccer, baseball and basketball on base.

Sergeant Tristan grew up in the Sumter and Shaw community from 1981 to 1987 while her parents were stationed at Shaw. She said she was raised in an atmosphere of helping other people.

"I spent a lot of my time growing up in a rural farming community; so you do what you can to help your neighbors," she said.

She also said her mother greatly influenced her life.

"I can remember seeing her help an elderly woman learn how to read and she sat with a lot of people when they were sick," Sergeant Tristan said.

"When my mom passed away it was a huge void in my life. At her funeral I saw all the people she touched and when they all came together, I realized she changed people's lives," she said.

With the influence of her mother and being surrounded by an atmosphere of giving, it is second nature to Sergeant Tristan to help people.

Sergeant Tristan said her goals are to be the best Airman, first sergeant and mother she can be. Sergeant Tristan has three children, including a 9-month-old boy she recently adopted.

Sergeant Tristan encourages Airmen to do the best they can. She often asks Airmen, "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" She said some Airmen give amazing answers to that question. She then asks, "Why aren't you doing it?"

As a first Sergeant, her final advice to Airmen is don't do anything your mother or first sergeant would be ashamed of.