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Dover wins Abilene Trophy

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Brian Maguire
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover is the home of the Abilene Trophy this year after winning the 2008 Air Mobility Command Community Support Award, which was announced during AMC Phoenix Rally at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., March 25.

The Abilene Trophy is presented annually to a civilian community for outstanding support to a nearby AMC base, and the winner is determined by a selection group of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee in Texas with final approval by AMC.

"Dover has long had a reputation for being an incredibly supportive community, and this award is great recognition of that fact," said Col. Manson Morris, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "The people of Dover are extremely dedicated, not only to the mission and people of Dover Air Force Base, but also to being a part of the service we provide for the American people. Our phenomenal community relationship is truly a national asset."

The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce submitted the nomination package and highlighted events such as the Leadership Central Delaware program, annual Military Affaire, Honorary Commanders program and base and chamber participation in the two NASCAR races.

"I think that we won this year because of the wonderful relationship we have between Dover Air Force Base and the Dover community," said Judy Diogo, CDCC president. "We really are all part of Team Dover, and this award shows that."

A key component of Team Dover is the 512th Airlift Wing, many of whose members live and work in the community when not fulfilling their Reserve commitment.

"I'm excited to hear that Dover is being recognized for something we've all known for a while; this base has an outstanding relationship with the community," said Col. Randal Bright, 512th AW commander. "Our Airmen are able to accomplish the mission here as well as live and work in a community that appreciates their service."

Gen. Arthur Lichte, AMC commander, and Gary Bridwell, Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Executive Committee member, presented the trophy to Colonel Morris and Colonel Bright during Phoenix Rally, a three-day semi-annual conference that provides a focused look at AMC's priorities, roles and missions.

"All of central Delaware is extremely proud of winning this prestigious award," said Dean Blaha, CDCC Military Affairs Committee chairman. "We are always willing to support the base in any manner, and are glad the hard work of the community has been recognized with this prestigious award."

A traveling trophy will be presented to the CDCC in the coming months, and the chamber will display the trophy until the next winner is named. A smaller, permanent trophy will be presented at the 2010 Phoenix Rally when the traveling trophy is given to the next recipient.

The first, and last, time Dover possessed the Abilene Trophy was in 1999, and the chamber is thrilled with the selection, said Ms. Diogo.

"We could not be more excited for the chamber Dover community and Dover Air Force Base to have been selected as the Abilene winners for 2008," said Ms. Diogo. "It's been 10 years since we won the trophy, and we have been anxiously anticipating another win; so, we finally have it."