Nov. 3, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, contact:
Gray Bridwell, VP of Military Affairs
325-669-4498
gray@abilenechamber.com
Military Affairs Committee Congratulates 2019 Recipient of the Abilene Trophy
The Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee (MAC), in conjunction with the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Office of Public Affairs, announced the winner of this year’s Abilene Trophy during the Airlift/Tanker Association (A/TA) virtual convention, Oct. 27-30, 2020. This year’s recipient of the Abilene Trophy is the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois – Scott Air Force Base.
“For over 100 years, the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois has demonstrated their commitment to Scott Air Force Base, its mission, their airmen and families,” said Shaun Martin, Vice Chair of Abilene’s Military Affairs Committee. “Their past, current and future mission of Uniting to Serve Those Who Serve is unwavering. Whether it is leading the charge and uniting the region for license reciprocity, uniting students as part of its STEAM & Cybersecurity programs or uniting total community support in numerous other ways, Abilene is proud to recognize the exceptional legacy and ongoing support and commitment they have for Scott Air Force Base, its mission and its people.”
In conjunction with the AMC, the MAC administers the annual competition for the “Abilene Trophy” among all communities supporting a local AMC base/unit. Early in the calendar year, communities submit their nomination packages to the MAC. A selection committee chooses their top three selections and sends the packages to the Commander of AMC who makes the final decision and announces the winner at the AMC Spring Rally usually held in April. Due to COVID-19, the announcement was postponed until late Oct. and held during a virtual event.
The traveling trophy is a beautiful bronze sculpture of an American Bald Eagle in flight, which was created by a local artist. A miniature bronze sculpture of the eagle is given to each winning community at the end of their winning year when the next winning community is announced and the large traveling trophy moves to the new winner.
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 Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee, visit abilenechamber.com.
The Military Affairs Committee is a public-private partnership of the Abilene 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.
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