Photo By Sarah Ridenour | Sgt. Jaime Gilliam with the 66th Transportation Company, 39th Transportation...... read more read more
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KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — For Sgt. Jaime Gilliam, joining the Army did not mean leaving his passion for sports behind. Instead, his time in uniform gave him another opportunity to compete, eventually leading him to compete in the Armed Forces Flag Football Championship as a member of the All-Army team.
Gilliam, a automated logistical specialist assigned to the 66th Transportation Company, 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, has continued pursuing his passion for athletics while serving in the Army.
As a 92A, Gilliam supports Army logistics by managing and maintaining critical supply and inventory records. The teamwork, communication and accountability required in his daily duties mirror the same qualities needed on the football field, helping him contribute to both his team and unit readiness.
Before joining the military, Gilliam was a multi-sport athlete who participated in basketball and football through recreational leagues.
That experience with flag football eventually provided Gilliam with an opportunity to compete alongside some of the Army's top athletes.
For Soldiers interested in continuing their athletic careers after joining the military, Gilliam explained that military sports provide opportunities to compete at progressively higher levels.
“First you play at the unit level, then you go play at the brigade level and finally you play at the post level,” said Gilliam.
As athletes continue advancing through the military sports system, they can earn opportunities to compete against athletes from other branches of the armed forces.
“I play flag football in these levels at the all Army, all Air Force, all Marines and all Navy,” said Gilliam.
Gilliam’s progression took him from unit-level competition to brigade and post-level competition before reaching the international stage through the International Military Sports Council, or Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM).
Gilliam experienced that progression firsthand as a member of the All-Army team.
“Played seven games and had six touchdowns and five interceptions,” said Gilliam.
After making the All-Army team, Gilliam played wide receiver and free safety for the Army men’s team, which went unbeaten in group play at 6-0. Their closest game came against the Air Force, a 30-28 win that set up a rematch in the championship game. The Army team ultimately finished second in the tournament.
During the previous CISM competition, the All-Army team finished second to the Air Force. The result left Gilliam motivated to return and compete for the top spot.
“There’s gonna be some dogs out there. Everybody should know I’m returning,” said Gilliam.
With another competition expected in February 2027, Gilliam and the All-Army team will have another opportunity to compete for the championship.
From the beginning, Gilliam said the talent across the team was evident.
“We already knew we had some outstanding ballers out there on the first day,” said Gilliam.
Gilliam also recognized the talent among the team's receivers and defensive players.
“Receivers hitting every route, breaking down and getting in and out of their breaks,” said Gilliam. “Cornerbacks sitting, rushers getting to those flags like we didn't have a single weakness out there,”
As practices continued, the team began developing a bond built around their shared love of the game. Gilliam expressed that connection quickly changed the team's mindset and gave them confidence in what they could accomplish together.
“We knew that this was going to become something bigger than us, regardless of where and what we placed,” said Gilliam. “We all know that this team is unbeatable.”
Competing at a high level required more than athletic ability. For Gilliam, the experience also required adjusting mentally and physically to a new environment, traveling with teammates and competing alongside Soldiers from different backgrounds.
“Capt. Biggers, he was our quarterback. He helped me through that entire transition,” said Gilliam. “Our other quarterback, Staff Sgt. Jordan was great too. He helped me through that transition mentally.”
The support he received from his teammates helped him manage the challenges that came with competing away from home.
For Gilliam, the experience reinforced the importance of continuing to pursue personal passions while serving in the military.
“I want people to realize that if you play sports and you love sports, whether you're 18, whether you're 38, it doesn't really matter your age,” said Gilliam.
Gilliam's experience on the tournament team showed him that Soldiers can continue pursuing the activities they enjoy while serving in the Army.
“When you come into the military, your career isn't done. And when it comes to sports, you don't have to stop playing because you joined the military,” said Gilliam. “The military encourages you to go out there and play the games you love.”
Gilliam encouraged Soldiers to continue participating in the sports they enjoy while serving their country.
“Serve the country respectfully, right, but still go out there and play basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis,” said Gilliam. “They have all the sports that you can go out there and still enjoy these sports and be yourself.”
Gilliam hopes his experience encourages other Soldiers to take advantage of the opportunities available to them and continue pursuing the activities they are passionate about.
Gilliam hopes his experience encourages other Soldiers to take advantage of the opportunities available to them and continue pursuing the activities they are passionate about.
His journey from playing sports as a child to competing at the Army level has shown him that joining the Army did not mean giving up the game he loved. Instead, it gave him another opportunity to compete, challenge himself and represent something bigger than himself.
“I want people to be able to look at me and look at the team and go, I can do that too,” said Gilliam.
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| Date Taken: | 09.09.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.11.2026 09:34 |
| Story ID: | 574260 |
| Location: | KAISERSLAUTERN, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE |
| Web Views: | 8 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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