FORT BELVOIR, Virginia –
It’s not every day that employees can get outdoors to enjoy a sunny Virginia day, much less spend it on the putting green.
When Defense Logistics Agency Installation Support’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program hosted a golf tournament May 6 at Fort Belvoir’s Woodlawn Golf Course, more than 140 McNamara Headquarters Complex employees from different agencies and their guests jumped at the chance to participate.
“This (event) is probably over ten years old, and it’s really grown,” said Greg Cummings, program manager for the HQC’s MWR. “This is probably our biggest tournament to date.”
Eager to hit the links, participants arrived early in the morning of the 18-hole tournament, which began with an 8 a.m. shotgun start.
Cummings said events like this boost employee morale and provide the opportunity to interact with members of other organizations in a less formal setting.
“To me the big benefit is the camaraderie of employees being able to get together,” he said. “A lot of these guys already come over here to golf, and they see each other in the building but never interact.”
Cummings added that for many, the tournament is a way for employees across agencies to build new partnerships and continue old friendships.
Newcomers like Michael Hoffmann, a contractor for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, thought the tournament was great for morale and joked that a day at the golf course is still better than a day at work.
“Before, I had only heard about the tournament, but my colleagues had played in it,” he said. “They finally convinced me to come out.”
Among those competing was Daniel Ferry, a contract specialist for DLA Energy. Ferry previously participated in the event with his teammates and said he was hoping to improve his game as the round progressed.
“This is our third year together as a team, and it’s a good opportunity to get out and play golf with some friends and coworkers,” he said. “The weather is great, we’re playing well, and we had some really good shots.”
Following the tournament, players were treated to lunch at the clubhouse, where the tournament’s winners were announced and drawings for prizes were held.
Winners included:
- 1st place: Kenneth Fowler, Brian Pearson, Lou Bently and Mel Kince.
- 2nd Place: Vincent Harmon, Jerry Arnold and Ellis Anderson.
- 3rd Place: Bryan Athey, Jesse and Chris Hall, and John Dustin.
- 4th Place: Andrew Donahue, Andrew Horne, Brian Beruete and Reid Hooper.
- Men: Closest to the Hole –Tom Morgan.
- Men: Longest Drive –Brian Pearson and Jordan Salata (tie).
- Women: Longest Drive –Trina Evaristo.