SWIL Celebrates Win of Air Mobility Command Community Support Award
EDWARDSVILLE, Illinois, April 9, 2021– The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Military Affairs Committee is thrilled to have submitted the nomination for the 2019 Air Mobility Command Community Support Award, known as the “Abilene Trophy”, for outstanding support of Scott AFB and their families. This is the third time the area has won this prestigious award. On April 8, 2021, the Abilene Military Affairs Committee from Abilene, Texas celebrated the win with Southwestern Illinois at a social held by the Commander, 375th Air Mobility Wing.
“As you know, growth in our region does not happen without strong collaboration and communication with Scott AFB and its many commands, leaders, service members and their families. The Leadership Council’s Military Affairs mission is “uniting those who serve.” This is one of the reasons we take pride in submitting the Abilene nomination,” said Jay Kore, chair of the Leadership Council Military Affairs Committee.
The Military Affairs Committee, MAC, of the Leadership Council was established in 1984 to preserve, advocate, and enhance Scott Air Force Base through education of the public and interface with elected officials, military leaders, and surrounding communities to identify core needs and develop mutually beneficial strategies.
“We would like to recognize all of the communities, chambers, mayors, groups and so many others that support the Scott AFB airmen, their spouses and families tirelessly throughout the years! From all over this region, we have seen such strong and growing support,” said Dr. Ronda Sauget, executive director and CEO of the Leadership Council. “We also want to thank the wonderful team that worked so hard to document all of the hard work in the award submission document.”
The Leadership Council’s mission is to “unite the region for growth.” When looking at Scott AFB, the Council unites the region in growth in support of military licensure for military spouses to unite to inspire STEAM and cybersecurity through community outreach to over 35,000 students, parents, teachers, school superintendents and businesses for STEAM and Cybersecurity events.
In addition, the Council unites to support resiliency and readiness through community partnerships to academic collaborations for resiliency as McKendree University hosted an Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) conference where experts identified programs and ideas related to EFMP challenges increasing support and raising awareness in the community. Our mission “Uniting to Serve Those Who Serve” has proven that regional progress and growth depends on strong working public-private partnerships and mission focused programs with Scott AFB.
Uniting in our community support for Scott AFB is stronger than ever! For the past 38 years, the Leadership Council has served as the regional champions promoting cooperation and support for Scott AFB. As the glue that holds over 50 surrounding communities, dozens of Chambers and Rotaries, nine counties, and the St. Louis metropolitan region we have “United to Serve Those Who Serve.” The base’s closest communities Belleville, Mascoutah, O’Fallon, Highland, Edwardsville, Troy, and Shiloh have continued with the 70th Belle Scott Enlisted Dinner, Dormitory BBQs, and Salute to Heroes Picnic, are events heavily attended and appreciated by our service members and their families. While traditions and support are common at all AMC bases, these communities have been serving Scott AFB longer than any other AMC base.
“On behalf of our Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan region, we have an exceptional legacy of support and commitment for “Our” Scott AFB and its people. For over 100 years our commitment has not wavered. We have made it our sacred charge to preserve, protect and defend our base and provide world-class care and support for those who serve. Thanks to great leadership at Scott AFB and within our communities, we expect Scott AFB to be around for another 100 years. Thank you to all who serve our great country and thank you to all who support this critical mission in our communities,” said Dr. Ronda Sauget, executive director and CEO of the Leadership Council.
The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois is a member-based, economic development corporation representing Southwestern Illinois. The Council works to unite business, industry, government, education and labor for economic growth in Southwestern Illinois. These effective partnerships serve as a driving force behind successful economic development efforts throughout the region.
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