TAMPA, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2020) – Think of the Tampa Bay Trophy as the Stanley Cup for United States Air Force Air Mobility Command bases honoring dedicated civilians that go above and beyond to support military personnel, veterans and their families and their communities.
Tampa Bay Defense Alliance (TBDA) President Tim Jones is pleased to announce that “Operation Eagle” has taken off! The mission is to schedule two six-month exhibits each year at two sponsor lobbies. The Tampa Bay Trophy will be on display at Port Tampa Bay from Jan. 1, 2021 to June 1, 2021.
“Port Tampa Bay is honored to host this beautiful trophy paying tribute to volunteers across the country that tirelessly support our military personnel and their families. It warms our hearts to see this national treasure each day in our lobby and recognize the names that grace the brass placards,” said Anderson.
Since its creation in 2015 by the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance (TBDA), the Tampa Bay Trophy honors one civilian a year for their distinguished service and contributions to our country’s Air Force service members, veterans and their families. The Trophy, a one-of-a-kind bronze sculpture created by Steve Dickey, (www.dickeystudios.com) Tampa’s unofficial sculptor laureate, highlights the true spirit of the Tampa Bay community and recognizes the service of the patriots from around the country who receive the prestigious award. Each year, nominations roll in from Air Force base communities all over the country from political leaders, base commanders, and military constituents.
TBDA President Tim Jones (and Airlift/Tanker Association (A/TA) Chairman Gen. Duncan J. McNabb USAF (Ret) participated in a virtual presentation to 2020’s recipient Ms. Sandy Person from Travis AFB, California in mid-October. Past award winners include:
2015 Mr. F. John Marshall Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota
2016 Dr. Joe Leveratt Altus AFB, Oklahoma
2017 Ms. Dana Lancelloti Scott AFB, Illinois
2018 Mr. Jack Pulley McConnel AFB, Kansas
2019 Ms. Pat Gallagher McConnell AFB, Kansas
2020 Ms. Sandy Person Travis AFB, California
Ms. Person was recently presented her citation by Colonel Corey Simmons, Commander, 60th Air Mobility Wing, during the virtual ceremony attended by leaders from A/TA, TBDA, the Travis Community Consortium, Air Mobility Command and the MacDill AFB, FL and Travis AFB, CA communities. Traditionally (Pre COVID 19), the citation and trophy are awarded in person at the A/TA’s Annual Convention.
Interested companies and organizations can read more about the opportunity to host the Tampa Bay Trophy by visiting www.tampabaydefensealliance.net/tampabaytrophy.
About the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance
The Tampa Bay Defense Alliance (TBDA) was formed in 2012 to champion our defense community by connecting our civilians to our military. The TBDA represents an eight-county region covering Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Manatee, Hernando, and Citrus. Speaking as One Team with One Voice, TBDA collaborates and cooperates with our community partners on issues of importance to the defense and military communities in our region. The TBDA promotes a collaborative and engaging environment that vigorously supports a robust and growing defense community. United in actions, we are a forum of strategic thinkers that provide vital linkage to all organizations supporting our military personnel and their families.
About the Airlift Tankers Association
The Airlift/Tanker Association (A/TA) is the world’s premier professional non-profit association for the Air Mobility community embracing innovation, promoting operational excellence, raising awareness, and understanding of the value of global mobility. The A/TA works across the DOD and Air Mobility Enterprise promoting a deeper understanding, appreciation, and reinforcement of Air Mobility heritage, culture, values, and relationships.
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