They're not exactly John Wooden's UCLA, but the Purple Cobras from the Marine Corps Air Field are close enough after claiming their third consecutive Dodgeball Championship to highlight Friday's action at the Combined Federal Campaign kickoff at the Barber Physical Activity Center.

The Purple Cobras, who consisted of mostly air traffic controllers, bested another MCAF team, the The 5Ds, to emerge victorious from the 15-team, double-elimination tournament, add to what Sgt. Joshua Blanchard, air traffic controller, MCAF, labeled a "dynasty."

"It's all about teamwork," he said when asked the secret to his team's success.

The tournament was the marquee attraction of the day, but it was that same sense of mutual cooperation at the CFC Kickoff that characterized the three-hour event for the more than 100 Marines and civilians in attendance. The annual event, which was co-sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Potomac CFC chapter, provided ample opportunity for the many non-profit organizations within the local CFC umbrella to showcase all they do to better people's lives. Some of the charities represented included Rappahannock Goodwill, the Salvation Army and the United Way of the National Capital Area.

The friendly games played that day underscored the kind of teamwork necessary to make a positive difference in people's lives throughout the community, said Tammi Ellis, the Potomac CFC campaign manager.

"Everybody in this gym has been touched by a non-profit at some point or another," she said, "whether them or a family member."

Capt. Tyvon Petway, the MCB Quantico CFC chairman, said he welcomed the opportunity to increase awareness by informing service members of the resources available to them while also seeking their help in bettering their community.

"There are a lot of people out there in need who can benefit from this," Petway said.

Ellis said CFC hopes to raise $1 million in donations this year, with $650,000 from Quantico. Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Byrd Sr., the Marine Corps Base Quantico sergeant major, encouraged the Marines and sailors on hand to continue lending a helping hand.

"More than anything, it's about taking care of people at the end of the day," he said. "We can all all do our part."