The Cobb County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the 22nd Air Force, is pleased to announce the creation of the Battle Born Trophy.
Awarded by the Cobb Chamber, the Battle Born Trophy will be presented to a 22nd Air Force that best represents the commander’s priority of “Readiness Now” during the previous year and will be given annually, beginning this July.
“We are honored and excited to partner with 22nd Air Force on the Battle Born Trophy,” said Sharon Mason, President and CEO of the Cobb Chamber. “22nd Air Force plays a key role in Cobb County’s military community, and this award is a small expression of our gratitude and respect for their mission and role in our nation’s defense and security.”
Headquartered at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga, 22nd Air Force is a combat-ready force comprised of over 12,000 Citizen Airmen, civilians and contractors organized in 13 units across the United States. 22nd Air Force provides the United States military with operational capability, strategic depth and the capacity to surge quickly when needed.
The Battle Born Trophy references 22nd Air Force’s lineage, tracing its origin to December, 28. 1941, when the Domestic Division, Air Corps Ferrying Command, was established and activated in Washington D.C.
“The priority of 22nd Air Force and our units is to provide mission-ready Airmen who are trained and ready to answer our nation’s call,” said Maj. Gen. John Healy, 22nd Air Force Commander. “We are proud to team up with the Cobb Chamber in starting a new tradition to award our units who best meet that vision.”
Tim Kelley, a Cobb Chamber member who also sits on the Civil Leader Advisory Board to the commander of the Air Force Reserve Command, spearheaded the effort to develop the award and designed the trophy as a way to highlight the relationship between the Cobb Chamber, the Air Force Reserves and the local community.
“As an advocate for the Air Force Reserves, I understand how important it is to bring civilian-military relations closer together,” said Kelley. “Helping to create and develop this award for 22nd Air Force, is a unique way I can give back to the command and hopefully make a lasting impact for many years to come.”
The Battle Born Trophy will bear the winning unit’s name and will remain at 22 Air Force’s headquarters, while the winner will receive a smaller replica to take back to their respective unit.