10/18/2026
Tampa Bay Defense Alliance and Airlift/Tanker Association award Tampa Bay Trophy to Gino Sciorilli of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.
October 17, 2026 10:00 ET | Source: Tampa Bay Defense Alliance..
TAMPA, Fla., Oct 17, 2026 - The Tampa Bay Defense Alliance and the Airlift/Tanker Association announced today that Gino Sciorilli, a passionate advocate for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) its military members and their families, is the recipient of the 2026 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 and connection between civilian and military communities.
Tampa Bay Defense Alliance (TBDA) President Maj Gen Lawrence M. Martin Jr., USAF (Ret) and Airlift/Tanker Association (A/TA) Chairman (Ret) Gen Carlton D. Everhart II, USAF (Ret) will present Mr. Sciorilli with his citation at the 2026 Airlift Tanker Association Convention held at the Ga***rd Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, at 8:25 A.M. on November 7, 2026.
A New Jersey civic leader for over 30 years, Mr. Sciorilli has improved the lives of more than 42,000 Total Force military and civilian personnel and their families, enhanced the JBMDL mission and built strong, lasting community partnerships. His deeply personal commitment to supporting the Armed Forces stems from a “Legacy of Gratitude” after Allied forces saved his parents in World War II. A passionate JBMDL advocate, he serves as a JBMDL and Air Mobility Command civic leader, Honorary Commander Emeritus and President of the Military Support Alliance of New Jersey.
Additionally, he mentors new honorary commanders, educates local, regional and state leaders, rallies key Congressional support, links naval air station aviation engineers to local high school STEM programs, partners with HeroCare Connect to raise funds through the MSA Warrior Bike Tour and is a co-founder of the Hirtes Hike to support Toms River families facing severe medical and financial hardships. Under his guidance, the Military Support Alliance established Three Pillars of Service to improve family stability and well-being. By combatting food insecurity with the MSA Food Warriors program, empowering military families by establishing a Blue Star Families Outpost and advancing mental health through the “Sean’s Room” initiative, he delivered tangible results that increased military readiness. His leadership has helped the MSA contribute to JBMDL spouse education scholarships, distribute toys, fund Operation Cookie Drop and support Dorma Palazzo for base dormitory residents.
“Mr. Sciorilli has been an unparalleled partner of JBMDL’s air mobility mission for over 30 years and has earned our deepest gratitude for making a real and sustained difference to his entire community.“ Martin said. “Our nation depends on a capable, ready military and outstanding civic leaders like Gino open their arms to our Airmen and their families, making their lives better every day. Our military bases depend on responsive partnerships with these fantastic leaders who build and improve relationships in their communities to help their base achieve mission success by taking care of Airmen and their families
Retired Air Force Gen (ret) Carlton Everhart II, chairman of the Airlift/Tanker Association, shared his praise and thanks. “We’re delighted to honor Mr. Sciorilli as the 2026 outstanding air mobility civic leader. His passion, innovation, determination and leadership for our Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Guardians, Coast Guardsmen, veterans and their families in the JBMDL community improve their lives every day,” he said. “Air Mobility Command, the Airlift/Tanker Association and our partner, the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, sincerely appreciate how crucial these community partnerships are to creating air mobility mission success in today’s demanding world.”
“Readiness at military installations rely on strong community partnerships, and Gino Sciorilli is the gold standard of civic leadership. His lifetime of dedication has bridged the gap between JB MDL and our local community, ensuring our military members and their families have an unwavering support system,” said Col Michael Stefanovic, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and 87th Air Base Wing Commander. “We are incredibly proud to see his selfless service recognized with the Tampa Bay Trophy," Stefanovic said.
Created in 2015 by the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, the Tampa Bay Trophy annually honors a civilian who has distinguished themselves through service and contributions to the Air Force and our servicemen and women. The trophy, a one-of-a-kind bronze sculpture by Steve Dickey, Tampa's unofficial sculptor laureate, highlights the true spirit of the Tampa Bay community and recognizes the service of the patriots who receive the prestigious award.
The Tampa Bay Defense Alliance (TBDA) was formed in 2012 to champion Tampa’s defense community by connecting local civilians to military members in the region. “Representing an eight-county radius covering Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Manatee, Hernando and Citrus, TBDA collaborates and cooperates with our community partners on issues of importance to our region’s defense and military communities,” Martin said.
The Airlift/Tanker Association (A/TA) is the world’s premier professional non-profit association for the Air Mobility community embracing innovation, the mobility community’s culture and heritage as well as promoting operational excellence, awareness and understanding of the value of global mobility.
