The Central Delaware community has been selected as the AMC Community Support Award (also known as the Abilene Trophy) this year.
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“We are thrilled to have been selected as the winners of the Abilene Trophy,” stated Judy Diogo, President of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce. “It is a tremendous honor. One that we do not take lightly.”
Each year the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) is invited to submit a nomination package to the Military Affairs Committee of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce in Texas. The Abilene Award was established in January 1999 and recognizes the community that shows outstanding support to a nearby Air Mobility Command (AMC) base. The CDCC won the award in 1999 and in 2008.
“Congratulations to the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, the Dover community and Dover Air Force Base on winning the Abilene Trophy for a third time, a national recognition for the excellent relationship between the base and the community,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “For years, the base has answered the call for our country, and our Dover community has answered the call for the base. We are proud that the base calls Dover its home, and will continue to provide the airmen and women who serve there the support they need to serve their mission.”
The submission packet for 2015 showcased the collaboration and partnerships between our community and Dover Air Force Base during that 12 month time span. Featured in the packet were the recent Dover AFB 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 many, many other volunteer activities.
“Congratulations to the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce on winning this year’s Abilene Trophy,” said Sen. Coons. “This accomplishment is a testament for their hard work and dedication to our Dover Air Force Base. The state of Delaware is thankful to organizations like the CDCC that continue to support our men and women in the United States Air Force with such passion.”
“The Dover community has proudly supported the mission and personnel of Dover AFB, and over the last 75 years, the bond between the Base and the nearby residents has only gotten stronger,” said Congressman Carney. “Central Delaware embraces the airmen and their families as neighbors and friends, and they value their role as the home of this important military installation. Their efforts and support of the Base is truly deserving of the Abilene Trophy, and I’m proud to join in congratulating them for receiving this prestigious award.”
A traveling trophy will be presented in a special ceremony being planned now. “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.!”