Air Mobility Command recognized the Dover community as the AMC Community Support Award winner May 12 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Also known as the Abilene Trophy, this annual award is presented to a civilian community for outstanding support to a nearby AMC base. The winner is determined by a selection group of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee in Texas with final approval by AMC.
“We are thrilled to have been selected as the winners of the Abilene Trophy,” stated Judy Diogo, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce president. “It is a tremendous honor – one that we do not take lightly.”
Gen. Carlton Everhart II, AMC commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Shelina Frey, AMC command chief, presented the Abilene trophy to senior leaders of the 436th and 512th airlift wings from Dover AFB during Phoenix Rally, a commander’s call for mobility Air Force commanders and command chiefs.
We’re glad to be a part of this award-winning team,” said Col. D. Scott Durham, 512th AW commander. “The professionals assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing put forth hard work and dedication every day.”
Their submission packet showcased Dover AFB’s Public-Private Partnership (P4 Initiative), their Honorary Commander program, CDCC programs and events such as the Bluesuiters Golf Tournament and Leadership Central Delaware Program, Dorm to Gourm and other volunteer activities.
“We cannot wait to host the official presentation to the community,” added Diogo. “People say it takes a village…to win the Abilene it takes a stellar base and a stellar community – and we have both!”
The award was established in 1999 by the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command and the Military Affairs Committee of Abilene, Texas. It recognizes the community that provides the finest support to an Air Mobility Command unit.
This is the third time the Dover community has won the award. The first award win was in 1999 and the second was in 2008.