St. Louis region captures Abilene Trophy

Published March 12, 2013
By The Hauser Group

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The St. Louis region has been selected as the winner of the prestigious Air Mobility Command Community Support Award for the extensive support demonstrated for the Airmen of Scott Air Force Base and their families during 2012.

Also known as the Abilene Trophy, the award is presented annually to recognize the community which provides the finest support to an Air Mobility Command unit. The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois spearheaded this year's nomination on behalf of the St. Louis region, but it was the wealth of supporting information that flowed in from across the metro area that produced the true victory.

"We couldn't have done it without the contributions from the various individuals, business, organizations and sports teams we reached out to, who told us what their organization or community did to support the base last year, and the dozens of letters of endorsement from local, state and federal legislators and regional businesses that helped to make our case," said Ellen Krohne, executive director of the Leadership Council. "The overwhelming response to our region-wide call for information demonstrated the depth of our region's commitment to Scott AFB and was instrumental in our ability to develop a winning package. This truly is a victory that we all can be proud of."

The nomination showcased more than 270 examples of community help for the Airmen and their families, including;

Donations of furniture, presents, diapers and other necessities, including $496,843 in documented material aid to the air units at Scott AFB that came from H.E.R.O.E.S. Care alone;

Creation and maintenance of the Regional Alliance for the Troops website (www.raftt.org), through which almost 7,000 military members and their families accessed key resources during 2012;

Recognition from major league teams like the Cardinals and the Rams, as well as high school sports teams that brought the Airmen and their families on the field to honor them;

Discounts on various events and attractions;

Hosting and financially supporting dozens of events offering opportunities for civilian/military interaction, and

Countless other examples of the financial, physical and emotional support provided throughout the year.

Representatives from the Abilene Trophy selection committee cited how well the region told its story and the excellent supporting documentation provided as factors that propelled St. Louis into the winners' circle among the eight communities vying for the 2012 award.

The surprise announcement was made by Gen. Paul J. Selva, Commander of the Air Mobility Command, during a special reception welcoming him and his wife to the base and to the St. Louis region.

The Leadership Council co-hosted the event with Civic Progress, The St. Louis Regional Chamber, The Regional Business Council and the Belle Scott Committee, all of whom Krohne credits with encouraging their members to take the time to submit information on how they support the Air Mobility Command Unit for inclusion in the nomination. It was attended by dozens of community members who had turned out to meet the general and his wife, and erupted into cheers and applause when the general shared the exciting news.