The Tampa Bay Defense Alliance and the Airlift/Tanker Association announced today that Rhea Law, president of the University of South Florida and a long-time advocate of MacDill AFB, its military members and their families, is the recipient of the 2025 Tampa Bay Trophy.
Selected from over 30 air mobility base communities, the honor recognizes the civic leader whose lifetime achievements and distinguished service to the United States Air Force and its air mobility mission epitomizes the synergy between civilian and military communities.
“The Tampa Bay Defense Alliance is proud to join the Airlift/Tanker Association each year in bestowing this coveted honor,” said retired Air Force Maj Gen Lawrence Martin, the Alliance’s president. Formal presentation of the trophy will occur in Tampa in early 2026.
Ms. Law has directly affected and improved the lives of MacDill AFB’s more than 17,000 Total Force military and civilian personnel and over 367,000 retirees and their families in the Tampa Bay area.
Retired Air Force Gen (ret) CARLTON D. (Dewey) EVERHART II, chairman of the Airlift/Tanker Association, echoed that sentiment.“We’re delighted to honor Ms. Law as this year’s outstanding air mobility civic leader. Her longevity, persistent leadership, innovation and advocacy have made life better for our Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Guardians, Coast Guardsmen, veterans and their families across Tampa Bay,” he said. “Air Mobility Command, the Airlift/Tanker Association and our partner, the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, recognize how crucial these community partnerships are to driving air mobility mission dominance.”
“We are so proud to recognize all that Ms. Law has done over the years for MacDill AFB in her selection to receive the 2025 Tampa Bay Trophy,” said Col. Ed Sczcepanik, commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing and installation commander of MacDill AFB. “MacDill AFB is very fortunate to have such an incredible community partner, friend and advocate in Ms. Law,” Sczcepanik said.