Tampa Bay has won the 2024 Abilene Trophy, the top national award for community support to an Air Mobility Command base. Only one community receives the honor each year.
This article explains what happened, why it matters to the region and what leaders should expect next.
What happened?
Tampa Bay was awarded the Abilene Trophy for its support of MacDill Air Force Base and the Airmen and families of the 6th Air Refueling Wing and the 927th Air Refueling Wing.
The nomination was submitted by the Tampa Bay Chamber, South Tampa Chamber, Tampa Bay Defense Alliance and the MacDill Support Council. The organizations highlighted community programs, family support efforts and regional collaboration.
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“This honor belongs to the entire Tampa Bay community,” Tampa Bay Chamber president and CEO Bob Rohrlack said. “Your support, involvement and commitment to making this region welcoming and mission-ready for our military families made this achievement possible.”
Why this matters
MacDill is one of the region’s largest economic anchors. Support for the base influences workforce stability, family housing, education resources and long-term defense investment in Tampa Bay.
Winning the nation’s top award positions the region as a leading military community and strengthens Tampa Bay’s ability to attract future missions, partnerships and federal attention.
What you can do
Local leaders and business owners can use this recognition to:
- Strengthen existing partnerships with MacDill
- Support programs for military families
- Increase involvement in regional defense initiatives
- Engage with chambers and councils that collaborate with the base
Community groups are also preparing new projects focused on family services and quality-of-life improvements for service members.
What’s next?
Regional leaders expect more collaboration with defense partners in the coming year. Work is underway to expand housing resources, improve community access and support programming for active duty members and reservists.
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Tampa Bay organizations will continue joint efforts to maintain the region’s standing as the strongest military community in the country.
Takeaway
Tampa Bay’s win shows the strength of its support for MacDill Air Force Base and the families who serve. This recognition reflects years of community work and continued commitment from leaders across the region.