Military Affairs Committee
The Partnership between the Dover Air Force Base and The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce can be described in one phrase:
#TEAMDOVER!
Purpose: To provide a mechanism for communicating the needs of the
Dover Air Force Base, the world’s largest aerial cargo terminal, to the CDCC members so that community support can be provided to the Dover Air Force Base and it’s personnel.
Goal: To host at least three events through the year which provide networking opportunities for CDCC members and military personnel to maintain and strengthen the positive and supportive relationship the CDCC has with the Dover Air Force Base.
The Military Affairs Committee meets 4-6 times a year. There are 47 CDCC Members who serve on the committee with Evans Armantrading, Jr., of CNU Fit as Chair. The committee hosts three events annually: the Military Affaire Reception, the Bluesuiters Golf Tournament, and the State of the Base Briefing Breakfast.
- The Military Affaire, usually a winter event at The Landings, provides a casual setting for community members to meet with leadership of the Base and other military divisions.
- The Spring Bluesuiters Golf Tournament brings together community leaders and men and women of the Dover Air Force Base for a fun afternoon of golf and camaraderie.
- State of the Base Briefing Breakfast, usually held in the Fall, is typically attended by Delaware’s Congressional Delegates, Delaware’s Governor, Military Commanders, and State Elected Officials. It is Dover AFB’s opportunity to brief the community on the State of the Base and on the missions and activities taking place there. (CLICK HERE to View the Live-Streamed Video of the 2020 Event – video credit to DAFB)
The Military Affairs Committee has also coordinated a number of community efforts with military personnel to work toward having the Defense Department make awards to Dover Air Force Base. For example, in 2008, the Dover Air Force Base received the Commander in Chief’s Installation Excellence Award. This was the first time in the history of the award that an Air Mobility Command Base has received this honor.
In 2015 members of the MAC participated in the Public-Public; Public-Private Partnership to help increase community partnerships with Dover Air Force Base. The goal of the Team Dover P4 Initiative Air Force-level program is to enhance and create off-base partnerships to help trim operating costs.
The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and Dover Air Force Base were awarded the Abilene Community Support Trophy for 2015. The Abilene Award was established in January 1999 and recognizes the community that shows outstanding support to a nearby Air Mobility Command (AMC) base. We have received the Abilene Trophy three times with the first two being in 1999 and 2008.
