FORT SILL, Okla. (17 Jan. 2013) -- The 'Leaders' brigade flexed its collective muscles taking this year's Commanders Cup proving that teamwork leads to victory.

Maj. Gen. Mark McDonald and Command Sgt. Maj. Dwight Morrisey, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general and CSM respectively, awarded Col. Timothy Daugherty and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Giles, 214th Fires Brigade commander andCSM respectively, the 2012 Commander's Cup Jan. 8, during the Sill FACTS meeting at Gunners Inn.

"We have great Soldiers who've worked really hard during the past year both in work and play," said Daugherty. "Because we have such great Soldiers, we've been able to have a significant amount of success in both of those venues, which has resulted in the 'Leaders' brigade taking home this trophy."

Winning the cup is based on a points system. Units compete in a variety of team and individual sports to include flag football, basketball and running January through December. The unit with the highest cumulative point total at the end of the year receives the award.

The 'Leaders' brigade racked up 2,310 points to take first place, followed by 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade with 2,020 combined points. Coming in third was the 30th ADA Brigade with 1,770 combine points.

"We will proudly display it as a reminder of what hard work and dedication can accomplish," said Daugherty. "I could not be any prouder of my Soldiers today for all their hard work this past year in the numerous events they participated in and won."

For the 'Leader' brigade Soldiers to participate in the athletic events took a great deal of coordination to put teams together with the brigade being deployed.

The brigade won softball and bowling and finished strong in basketball, volleyball and flag football.

The Commander's Cup has a long history in the Army. It serves to increase morale and esprit de corps among Soldiers and takes its name from the installation commander.

Daugherty said the Soldiers of the 'Leaders' brigade are looking forward to competing in the various events for the Commander's Cup in 2013 and hope to retain the cup.

Photos of this event and other activities that have happened in the 214th Fires Brigade can be viewed on the brigade's new official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/214thFiB