Tampa Bay Community Earns National Recognition for Outstanding Military Support
The Tampa Bay Chamber, South Tampa Chamber, Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, and the MacDill Support Council are proud to announce that the Tampa Bay region has been awarded the 2024 Abilene Trophy, recognizing the nation’s most outstanding community support to an Air Mobility Command (AMC) base. The award was officially announced by the Abilene Military Affairs Committee in partnership with AMC and Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs offices.
In the announcement, Abilene AMC Civic Leader Sam Nichols said, “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.” (See the full press release from the Abilene Military Affairs Committee here.)
This prestigious award honors Tampa Bay’s commitment to the Airmen and their families at MacDill Air Force Base including extraordinary collaboration in 2024 for the Tampa Bay AirFest, education initiatives, workforce programs, and an unprecedented community response following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The partnering organizations expressed collective pride in the recognition, stating:
“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,” said Dr. Bob Rohrlack, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Chamber. “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.”
“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,” said Kelly Flannery, President and CEO, of the South Tampa Chamber.
“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,” Maj Gen (ret) Larry Martin, president of TBDA, said. “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.”
“The MacDill Support Council is honored for Tampa Bay 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,” said Rebekah Nault, Vice Chair, MacDill Support Council.
“I cannot imagine a more deserving community than Tampa Bay,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing Commander. “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. This especially matters because MacDill Air Force Base is a premier power projection platform for the U.S. Air Force, two Combatant Commands, and 32 additional mission partners. MacDill executes global operations day and night. MacDill wins fights. And MacDill flat out does not win as much as we do without the support of Tampa Bay”.
A formal trophy presentation will be held at a later date.
About the Tampa Bay Chamber
The Tampa Bay Chamber is a not-for-profit business membership organization representing approximately 1,400 member companies and more than 9,800 employees across the region. Accredited and recognized by business, government, education and community leaders, the Chamber serves as the leading advocate for the business community in the Tampa Bay area.
About the South Tampa Chamber
Founded in 1926, the South Tampa Chamber is a vibrant organization representing 650 businesses, organizations, and individuals. The Chamber is committed to supporting a thriving community through advocacy, education, networking, and leadership development. By connecting local businesses, community partners, and leaders, it creates opportunities for growth and success while fostering collaboration and enhancing the quality of life in South Tampa. For 100 years, the Chamber has served as a trusted resource and champion for business.
About the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance
The Tampa Bay Defense Alliance (TBDA) was formed in 2012 to champion Tampa’s defense community by connecting local civilians to military members in the region. Representing an eight-county radius covering Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Manatee, Hernando and Citrus, TBDA collaborates and cooperates with our community partners on issues of importance to Tampa Bay's defense and military communities.
About the MacDill Support Council
The MacDill Support Council is made up of honorary commanders, AMC civic leaders, and community leaders dedicated to supporting the men, women, and families of MacDill Air Force Base. Through community engagement, advocacy, and programs that enhance quality of life, the Council strengthens the partnership between the base and the surrounding community.