The Tampa Bay region has received the 2024 Abilene Trophy, a national award recognizing outstanding community support to an Air Mobility Command (AMC) base. The announcement was made by the Abilene Military Affairs Committee in partnership with AMC and Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs offices.
Sam Nichols, Abilene AMC Civic Leader, highlighted the region’s history of support: “For over eighty-five years, the broad-based communities in the greater Tampa area have delivered continuous support to meet the needs of Wing and Area Military families. Following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton their incredible collaboration demonstrated their outstanding commitment to MacDill Air Force Base, its mission, their airmen, and families.”
The award acknowledges decades of community engagement with MacDill Air Force Base. In 2024, this included efforts such as AirFest, education programs, workforce initiatives, and significant assistance after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Leaders from local organizations expressed pride in receiving this recognition. Dr. Bob Rohrlack, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Chamber, said: “We are honored to receive the Abilene Trophy, a testament to our community’s longstanding commitment to MacDill Air Force Base and the families who call Military Bay, USA home. This award celebrates the strength of our partnerships throughout Tampa Bay and the dedication of our business and civic leaders who consistently step forward in support of our military.”
Kelly Flannery, President and Chief Executive Officer of the South Tampa Chamber added: “The Abilene Trophy honors communities that demonstrate exceptional, sustained support for their Air Mobility Command base. Tampa Bay’s partnership with MacDill Air Force Base is part of who we are, and we are proud to see that commitment recognized. For more than eight decades, our community has stood beside the men and women of MacDill, supporting their mission, their families, and their vital role in our nation’s defense.”
Maj Gen (ret) Larry Martin from TBDA commented: “TBDA expresses our sincere appreciation to the Abilene Military Affairs Committee for their selection of Tampa Bay as the recipient of the 2024 Abilene Trophy. For decades, the Tampa Bay Region has demonstrated its enduring commitment to our military members, their families and the air mobility mission, but never so much as before and after the devastation of 2024’s hurricanes Helene and Milton. Together with our community partners, TBDA takes great pride to be part of these amazing organizations who have always been there for our Tampa Bay military community.”
Rebekah Nault from MacDill Support Council stated: “The MacDill Support Council is honored to be recognized with the Abilene Trophy. This award reflects our community’s enduring commitment to the Airmen, families, and mission of MacDill Air Force Base. We are proud to stand alongside those who serve and to support them with the dedication they so deeply deserve.”
U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik described local efforts following recent storms: “I cannot imagine a more deserving community than Tampa Bay. On a typical day they are incredibly supportive of our service members and gracious in doing so. In the wake of 2024’s back-to-back hurricanes they found another gear of generosity and volunteerism…MacDill flat out does not win as much as we do without the support of Tampa Bay”.
A formal presentation ceremony for this trophy will take place at a later date.
The involved organizations include:
– The Tampa Bay Chamber, which represents about 1,400 member companies across various sectors.
– The South Tampa Chamber, established in 1926 representing around 650 businesses.
– The Tampa Bay Defense Alliance (TBDA), formed in 2012 covering an eight-county area.
– The MacDill Support Council comprises honorary commanders along with civic leaders focused on supporting personnel at MacDill AFB.
