Prestigious Military Trophy Begins Tour At Port Tampa Bay

TAMPA, FL — 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 announced 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 to June 1.

“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 his or her distinguished service and contributions to the 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 (Retired) participated in a virtual presentation to 2020’s recipient Sandy Person from Travis Air Force Base, California, in mid-October.

• 2015 F. John Marshall of Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota
• 2016 Dr. Joe Leveratt of Altus AFB, Oklahoma
• 2017 Dana Lancelloti of Scott AFB, Illinois
• 2018 Jack Pulley of McConnel AFB, Kansas
• 2019 Pat Gallagher of McConnell AFB, Kansas
• 2020 Sandy Person of Travis AFB, California

Person was recently presented her citation by Col. 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 and Travis AFB 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.