- The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) is thrilled to announce that the Central Delaware Community has been awarded the coveted Abilene Trophy, formally known as the Air Mobility Command Community Support Award. This prestigious recognition is given annually to a civilian community for outstanding support to a nearby Air Mobility Command (AMC) base. The winner is determined by a selection group comprised of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee in Texas. Final approval is given by the Air Mobility Command.
Earlier this year, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce submitted a nomination package that highlighted events and programs such as Leadership Central Delaware, Bluesuiters Golf Tournaments, The State of the Base Briefing, The Military Affaire, the Honorary Commander Program, and much more. It is especially noteworthy that the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce work diligently to continue its support of the base with these events and activities during the most critical months of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Their actions during this time speak volumes about their commitment to support Dover Air Force Base (DAFB) and the high priority they place on the base/community relationship known as TEAM Dover. The CDCC has now received this trophy four times: in 1999, 2008, 2015, and 2021.
Established in 1999, the Abilene Trophy is sponsored by the Abilene, Texas, Chamber of Commerce. Prior to 1999, Abilene won the Strategic Air Command and Air Combat Command Community so often that the awards were subsequently retired. In early 1999, the Air Mobility Command and the Abilene Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee co-created the AMC Community Support award now known as the “Abilene Trophy.”  Abilene is home to Dyess Air Force Base, which has an AMC contingent, the 317th Airlift Group. The main host, however, the 7th Bomb Wing, is under the Air Combat Command, and thus Dyess would not be eligible for an award sponsored by its host city.
The actual traveling trophy is an exquisite and very large bronze sculpture of an American Bald Eagle in flight. This acclaimed trophy is sent to the winner to display during the duration of their winning year. A smaller version of the eagle is given to each winning community at the end of their year when the next winning community is announced.
The CDCC is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the military personnel of DAFB as part of TEAM Dover and wishes to thank everyone who made this award possible. A celebration will be planned to coincide with the return of the Abilene Trophy to Dover. Stay tuned for details!


Pictured (l to r):  Col. Michael DeSantis, Col. Matthew Jones, CDCC President Judy Diogo, CDCC Military Affairs Chairman Evans Armantrading, Senator Thomas Carper, and Senator Chris Coons