Tampa Bay Community Honored with Abilene Trophy for Outstanding Support of MacDill Air Force Base
The Tampa Bay community was proudly recognized with the Abilene Trophy, honoring the community that best supported its Air Mobility Command and Air Force Reserve Command base in 2024, as presented by civic leaders representing the Abilene Military Affairs Committee.
The award-winning submission was prepared in partnership with the Tampa Bay Chamber, the South Tampa Chamber, the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, and the MacDill Support Council, on behalf of MacDill Air Force Base and the greater Tampa Bay community.
In addition, the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, in conjunction with the Airlift/Tanker Association, presented Ms. Rhea Law, President of the University of South Florida, with the 2025 Tampa Bay Trophy, recognizing her long-standing commitment to and advocacy for MacDill Air Force Base and its military families. Both award ceremonies were held on January 21, 2026, at Team House.
This prestigious recognition highlights Tampa Bay’s unwavering support of the Airmen and families stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, including extraordinary collaboration throughout 2024 for the Tampa Bay AirFest, education initiatives, workforce development programs, and an unprecedented community response following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
As the recipient of the Abilene Trophy, Tampa Bay’s commitment to MacDill and its families was especially evident in 2024.
“For over eighty-five years, the communities in the greater Tampa area have delivered continuous support to MacDill Air Force Base families. Following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, their incredible collaboration demonstrated an outstanding commitment to MacDill Air Force Base, its mission, its Airmen, and their families,” said Sam Nichols, Abilene civic leader.
“Tampa Bay’s submission focused on a collaborative partnership of individuals and organizations who ensure MacDill, its people, and its infrastructure have the essentials to thrive,” said Paul Beale, Abilene civic leader.
The partnering organizations expressed collective pride in the recognition.
“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 an 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.
“I cannot imagine a more deserving community than Tampa Bay,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik, Commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing. “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.”
Regarding the Tampa Bay Trophy, Major General (retired) Lawrence Martin, Jr., President of the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, said, “Ms. Law has been a true champion of MacDill Air Force Base’s air mobility mission for over 30 years and has earned our deepest gratitude from everyone she has helped and all that she has accomplished.” He added, “Our military installations depend on responsive partnerships with outstanding civic leaders who build and sustain strong relationships within their communities to help ensure mission success.”
Prior to 1999, Abilene won the Strategic Air Command and Air Combat Command Community Support Award so often they subsequently retired the awards. In January 1999, the Air Mobility Command and the Abilene MAC co-created the AMC Community Support Award, which is now known as the “Abilene Trophy.”
For more information on the Abilene Military Affairs Committee, visit abilenechamber.com.
The Military Affairs Committee is a public-private partnership of the Chamber of Commerce, Development Corporation of Abilene, individuals and businesses. Through its 300 members, MAC advocates for expansion and preservation of missions at Dyess and cares for the needs of military members and their families.
Background Information Tampa Bay Trophy
Created in 2015 by the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance and awarded jointly by the Alliance and the Airlift Tanker Association, the Tampa Bay Trophy annually honors a civilian who has distinguished themselves through service and contributions to the Air Force and its servicemen and women. The trophy, a one-of-a-kind bronze sculpture by Steve Dickey Tampa's unofficial sculptor laureate, highlights the true spirit of the Tampa Bay community and recognizes the service of the patriots who receive the prestigious award.
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.
For more information on the Awards Presentation:
Contact: Kelly Flannery, President South Tampa Chamber, kelly@southtampachamber.org
For more information on the Abilene Trophy:
Contact: Paul Beale pbeale@taylortel.org, 325-829-8921 and Sam Nichols, samnchls@yahoo. com, 325-665-0675.
For more information on the Tampa Bay Trophy:
Contact: Major General, (ret), Lawrence Martin, Jr., President, Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, Lawrence.martin@tampabaydefensealliance.net, (501) 352-8365.
