Golden Eagle receives Tampa Bay Trophy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alan Ricker
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  A long-time supporter of McConnell Air Force Base has been named as this year’s Tampa Bay Trophy recipient for the impact he has had on the local community and the Airmen.

Jack Pulley, member of Friends of McConnell and the Golden Eagles, a group of former honorary commanders who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the McConnell community, is scheduled to be honored with the award later this month at the Airlift Tanker Association meeting. The Tampa Bay Trophy, presented by the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, recognizes civic leaders who consistently go above and beyond to support the defense community.

“It feels really good [to receive the award],” said Pulley. “Especially since I didn’t expect to win knowing many of the great supporters throughout the Air Mobility Command.”

In 1976, Pulley, became an honorary commander for the 381st Missile Wing. Since then, he has been directly involved in the lives of the Airmen who are a part of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing and 931st Air Refueling Wing.

“From his leadership of the Golden Eagles and Friends of McConnell, Jack has been a continuous presence and advocate for the base and our Airmen,” said Col. Josh Olson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. “His passion during the recent 123 million dollar Education Bond initiative ensured Derby schools were able to absorb McConnell kids in their classes with first class facilities and teachers for years to come.”

Pulley continues to lead the Friends of McConnell, supporting the base through fundraisers, and acts as a mediator between base leadership and key community leaders. He also helps communicate Team McConnell’s national defense posture with the local community.

“I appreciate all that the Airmen do for me, my community and our country,” said Pulley. “It has become one of my passions to support our Airmen.”

In 2005 he was selected as a Golden Eagle for his outstanding volunteer service that supported 17,490 active duty and reserve personnel. He also serves as an Air Mobility Command Civic Leader Council member, which allows him to communicate AMC’s role to the local community.

“I’m president of Friends of McConnell and we have a member base of individuals and businesses who pay annual dues, so we can support programs that there isn’t funding for through the Department of Defense,” said Pulley. “I also attend as many events and function on base as my time permits.”

Pulley held fundraisers to raise a collective $45,000 for 22nd ARW events and functions, which include quarterly and annual awards, and the Air Force Gala. He also raised $10,000 in preparation for KC-46 arrival events and initiated a fundraiser for $5,000 for the 2018 Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show.

Every Airman stationed at McConnell, whether they know it or not, has been impacted from Pulley’s involvement with the base.

“There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t get a call from [Pulley] asking, ‘What can I do for McConnell Airmen and their families?’” said Col. Olson.

The base is grateful for Pulley’s work and glad for the opportunity to honor him.