Birds of Prey battle for Commander's Cup Published Aug. 7, 2013 By Army Sgt. Timothy Hines Headquarters and Operation Company, 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion Unit Public Affairs Repres BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The annual tradition of 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion's Sports Week began July 15 as company teams fought it out to take control of the Commander's Cup. The Annual Battalion Sports Week has been a tradition of the 743rd MI Bn., 704th MI Brigade since 1999. The Soldiers, NCOs, officers and family members went toe-to-toe competing in sporting events, soldiering skills and family fun in order to earn points for their company teams. Lt. Col. Gary Hausman, 743rd MI Bn. commander, gave his opening remarks at 6:30 a.m. as the sun was just coming up, wishing everyone good luck and emphasizing the importance of safety during the week's events. The competitions included a 5K run, 10K ruck march, obstacle course, orienteering, soccer, combatives, basketball, softball tournament, volleyball, track and field, ultimate Frisbee, and CrossFit. "It was a lot of fun and perfect weather for this event," said Capt. Craig Maybe, Alpha Company joint collection officer, after placing first on the grueling obstacle course. As the finale to a hard-fought week of competition, Col. Anthony Hale, 704th MI Bde. commander, joined the Birds of Prey Family as they kicked off the Annual Organizational Day July 19 and announced the winners of Sports Week. Soldiers and family members came out to participate in family-friendly events while also enjoying some delicious BBQ cooked by Bravo Company Soldiers. Some of the events for Organizational Day included slip-n-slide, face painting, water balloon toss, tug-o-war and karaoke for everyone to enjoy. After competing in 17 events, Alpha Company took home the Commander's Cup by scoring a total of 36 points out of a possible 51. Headquarters and Operations Company finished second with 31 points, and Bravo Company brought up the rear with 30 points. Hausman said the Alpha Company Soldiers did "a phenomenal job winning the Sports Week. It was a close race, and everyone stayed in the fight until the end. Good job."