FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 9, 2021
For more information contact:
Doug Peters, President & CEO
325-280-88556
doug@abilenechamber.com
Gray Bridwell
Vice President, Military Affairs
325-669-4498
gray@abilenechamber.com
Abilene receives second Barksdale Award
Recognizes superior support of Dyess Air Force Base
SHREVEPORT, LA. – Abilene is the winner of the Barksdale Trophy for the second time in four years.
The award recognizes Abilene’s support to Dyess Air Force Base (AFB). It was presented Wednesday, at Air Force’s Global Strike Command’s Bi-annual (once every two years) Global Strike Challenge Awards Ceremony. Abilene also won the competition in its first year, 2017, and by the rules, was ineligible for the 2019 contest.
Dyess Airmen also won four competitions in the Global Strike Challenge.
The challenge is the world's premier Bomber, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, Helicopter Operations and Security Forces competition with units from Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard.
Awards won were:
Eaker Trophy, Best B-1 Squadron - 28th Bomb Squadron, Dyess AFB
Mitchell Trophy, Best Bomb - 28th Bomb Squadron, Dyess AFB
Ellis Giant Sword Trophy, Best Bomber Maintenance - 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB
Fairchild Trophy, Best Bomb Wing - 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB
The local 89-page Barksdale Trophy package, submitted by the Military Affairs Committee (MAC) of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce (ACOC), included details of:
Support of Dyess Airmen;
Improvements in infrastructure on and near the base;
Support of Airmen’s families;
Engagement with local, state and federal elected officials;
Development of relationships with Air Force officials, both personal and professional;
Communication of the story of Abilene and Dyess.
Thirty-six activities over the past two years were detailed, reinforcing the emphasis Abilene has in supporting its Air Force Base. Six other Global Strike Command bases were eligible in the competition.
“To win the Barksdale Trophy again is a testament to the support the Abilene community gives to our airmen,” said Greg Blair, AEP, and MAC Chairman. “We are proud to be the home of Dyess AFB and work hard to promote the mission, the airmen and their families.”
Colonel Joseph Kramer, Commander of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base was quoted after the announcement was made.
“This award is the result of Abilene’s incredible support for both the Airmen and mission of Team Dyess,” said Col. Kramer. “We appreciate the continued efforts to improve the quality of life for our airmen and the capability enhancements on the installation. Thank you, Abilene, we are proud to continue to serve shoulder-to-shoulder with you!”
The Barksdale Trophy is not the first award Abilene has won for its strong relationship with and support of Dyess. Similar awards through the former Strategic Air Command, Air Combat Command and the current Military Airlift Command were won. Abilene is no longer eligible for the Airlift Command honor since it has won so many times. The award was renamed the Abilene Trophy in 1999 and is presented annually by MAC members to the winning city.
In the Global Strike Challenge competition, the following awards are presented:
Bomb Wings compete for the Fairchild Trophy recognizing the Best Bomb Wing
Missile Wings compete for the Blanchard Trophy recognizing the Best Missile Wing
Bomb Wings compete for the Ellis Giant Sword Trophy recognizing the Best Maintenance Group
Bomb Wings compete for the LeMay Trophy recognizing the Best Bomb Squadron
Bomb Wings compete for the Mitchell Trophy recognizing the squadron with the Best Single Bomb score
Since 1908, the Abilene Chamber has served as a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for developing and promoting the economy and quality of life. For more information on the Chamber and the 1,200 businesses it represents, visit www.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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