PM&I security manager defends MSO, gridiron

Courtesy Photo | Kevin Willis (second from right), a security manager and management assistant with the Defense Contract Management Agency PM&I Directorate in the National Capitol Region’s Mission Support Office and head coach of the pictured Stafford Falcons, Pee Wee Division, is photographed with his team and assistant coaches at the Atlantic Regional Finals in Virginia Beach, Va., Nov. 17. Willis led his team to multiple championships during his first season as head coach.  

ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES

03.11.2014

Story by Thomas Perry 

Defense Contract Management Agency

ARLINGTON, Va. - Last fall, much of Kevin Willis’ passions were consumed within 120 yards by 53.3 yards. These are not the dimensions of a new Portfolio, Management and Integration office he is charged with securing, but rather a canvas of competition which Willis layers with sportsmanship, fundamentals and championships.

Willis, a security manager and management assistant with the Defense Contract Management Agency PM&I Directorate in the National Capitol Region’s Mission Support Office, recently completed a remarkably successful first season as the Stafford Falcons, Pee Wee Division, head football coach. He believes his time as a DCMA employee sharpened his abilities to develop teamwork, appreciate diversity and work as a unit toward a common goal — all attributes he used on the football field.

Spurred on by the encouragement of his DCMA coworkers, Willis began his coaching journey and proceeded to lead his players, comprised of 11- to 13-year-olds, to a Virginia American Youth Football Alliance Division II Championship, a Virginia Division II State Championship and an Atlantic Region Division II second-place finish. The Falcons also reached the semi-finals of the American Youth Football National Championship, finishing fourth out of 1,200 Pee Wee organizations. Willis was quick to point out his team’s accomplishments were a collective effort.

“Achievements like these aren’t easy to come by,” said Willis, who volunteers his own time in order to coach the Falcons. “None of this would have been possible without the help and dedication of the coaches’ and team moms’ families.”

Coaches are measured by the trophies they hoist and the banners they raise. For a DCMA employee, successes are quantified by co-worker respect and supervisor evaluation.

“Kevin came on board in April and jumped right in to assist the NCR office with their needs mainly focusing on security and safety,” said Walter Eady, DCMA PM&I deputy executive director. “His knowledge of security and safety requirements has been invaluable to PM&I.”

Already familiar with Willis’ off the field drive and work ethic, Eady said he expected success on the field because of “Kevin's willingness to share his skills, knowledge and expertise.”

“He wants co-workers to succeed just like he wants his players to succeed,” said Eady. “He is very supportive and cares about their needs. These characteristics are extremely important within DCMA and youth football.”

Many of these characteristics mirror Willis’ responsibilities at the MSO, where he is charged with providing a safe and secure working environment for co-workers.

Willis said he enjoys his job, appreciates his co-workers and respects the DCMA organization, but he admits if a major college or National Football League coaching position became available he would not hesitate.

“If the opportunity ever arises, I won’t pass it up because it’s one of those once in a lifetime opportunities,” said Willis.

• Date Taken: 03.11.2014
• Date Posted: 03.11.2014 14:25
• Story ID: 121842
• Location: ARLINGTON, VA, US