Army air defenders garner top awards at inaugural Osan Commander's Cup

By U.S. ArmyOctober 3, 2014

Soldiers win inaugural Osan Commander's Cup
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spc. Mark A. Mariano, an intel analyst assigned to 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, holds up the Osan Commander's Cup Sept. 30, 2014 during an awards ceremony. More than a dozen Air Force and Army units competed in the inaugural commander's cup Se... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Airmen and Soldiers celebrate inaugural Osan Commander's Cup
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers and airmen complete the final leg of a celebratory 5km run culminating the inaugural Osan Commander's Cup competition Sept. 30, 2014. Events for the commander's cup included softball, baseball, trivia and video games. (Photo by: U.S. Army St... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- Soldiers of the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade bolstered their readiness and strengthened their joint relationship with fellow service members Sept. 28 - 30 during the Osan Air Base's inaugural commander's cup competition.

"The purpose for this event was to know who our teammates are…across the services and across this base," said Air Force Col. Phillip Leonard, garrison commander of Osan Air Base.

From a field of 20 competing units, 35th ADA earned top overall score as well as best large unit award for the Osan Commander's Cup.

Athletic events for the commander's cup included a 10-km run, duathlon, tennis, Cross-Fit competition, soccer, track and field, power lifting, a softball tournament, dodge ball, bowling, and basketball. Non-traditional events showcased individual Soldier skills with events ranging from rifle marksmanship and darts to a chili cook-off and video game tournament.

The 35th ADA took first place in track and field, dodge ball, basketball and the chili cook off earning a total of 3,993 points for the overall competition. The Osan Security Forces Squadron earned second place with 3,269 points.

"This was a great setting to provide airmen and Soldiers alike, the opportunity to compete in several competitive events showcasing the talents of our joint and combined force partners," Col. Thomas Nguyen, commander of the 35th ADA. "We were able to get to know each other and build relationships that strengthen our bond and ultimately enhance our ability to Fight Tonight!"

"Thanks to the 51st Fighter Wing and the rest of Team Osan who made the Commander's Cup an enjoyable and memorable event," he said.