Nearly 100 Defense Logistics Agency employees came together this year to repeat their 2018 victory by winning the Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Commander’s Cup.

DLA won with 213 points, the Army’s 249th Engineer Battalion ended with 187 points and Defense Threat Reduction Agency with 154 points.

“Bringing home the cup for the second year in a row is the culmination of years of hard work and recruiting, not just by me but by many people,” said Andrew Green, DLA’s intramural sports coordinator and DLA Strategic Materials market analyst. “We have been consistently performing well in events across the base the past several years.” 

Designed to encourage camaraderie, the Fort Belvoir Commander’s Cup pits more than 25 teams from tenant commands across the base against each other in year-round sporting events. Competition begins in September and runs throughout the year. Activities include flag football, basketball, racquetball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, formation run, softball, bowling, swimming, golf and cross country running. At the end of the competition in September, the team with the most points is awarded the coveted Commander’s Cup Trophy and bragging rights.

Darrell Brooks, a player and coach for the DLA softball, basketball and flag football teams, feels DLA’s teamwork, talent and dedication to compete in all categories gave them a winning edge.   

“DLA is full of talented employees who use this platform as an opportunity to showcase their talents away from the office,” he said. “This allows us to win or place amongst the top teams in every category of the Commander’s Cup.”

As the annual competition wrapped up in September, Team DLA held a commanding 56-point lead going into the last two events – the swim meet and cross country run. The 249th Engineer Battalion and DTRA challenged DLA’s lead, earning more than 50 points each in those events. But DLA held on to the top spot finishing 26 points over the 249th.  

DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams congratulated players for the win in an Oct. 7 ceremony at the McNamara Headquarters Complex. 

“What really is critical is the morale of an organization, and it’s opportunities like this that really cater to the morale,” he said. “To bring this complex together is important, and nothing brings people together like sports and competition with a little something on the line.” 

Green said competing in Commander’s Cup events is about having pride in DLA and displaying esprit de corps. Darren Dunham, a softball player and coach, said the Cup is about extending teamwork beyond the workplace and keeping employees motivated. 

“I believe DLA’s participation in the competition promotes sportsmanship and fitness for its employees, thus enhancing productivity and a better working environment,” said Tim Le, the DLA volleyball team captain.

The 2020 Commander’s Cup season kicked off last month. Team DLA plans to keep its winning momentum and needs volunteers from across the agency to coach, play and support the competition. 

“The efforts of our coordinator, Andy Green, are a huge driving force in our success,” said Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Richard Teniente, DLA racquetball team captain. “Andy has challenged us to step outside of our comfort zone and compete in events that we are less comfortable with; and we don't do them alone, he is doing them with us.”  

To join the team or for more information, email Andrew Green at Andrew.Green@dla.mil. Events are open to military members, their dependents, and Defense Department employees and contractors.