For the second time ever, Wichita Falls was given this award and it's a huge honor in the Air Force community.

History of the Atlus Trophy

Back in 2008, a new award was created to recognize the Air Force community, which provides the finest support to its AETC (Air Education and Training Command) Unit. Wichita Falls last won the award in 2011, but this past Friday the City of Wichita Falls was recognized once again with this pretentious honor.

Why Did Wichita Falls Win the Award for 2024?

U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Brian S. Robinson praised the city of Wichita Falls in recent years in helped those stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base. Those include, "enhanced public transportation options, educational scholarships for service members and their families, and infrastructure investments such as improvements to dormitories and support facilities. Community-sponsored events, including the Guardians of Freedom Air Show and Fourth in the Falls Freedom Fest, have also reinforced public appreciation for the base’s presence and mission."

Wichita Falls Winning Submission

You can actually read the full presentation submitted by the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce that got them this award on the Atlus Trophy Website. It's NINETY pages long and goes into great detail of what Sheppard Air Force Base means for Wichita Falls.

Hopefully this is not the last time that Wichita Falls receives this award. If another community with an Air Force base is interested in receiving this award, you can get your nomination in here. Submissions must be in by November 30, 2025 to receive this year's award.