FORT KNOX, Ky. Aca,!" Col. Curt C. Higdon, the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) assistant chief of staff, operations, threw out the ceremonial first-pitch for the Cincinnati Reds game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Oct. 3 at CincinnatiAca,!a,,cs Great American Ball Park.
HigdonAca,!a,,cs opportunity came in front of 25,000 fans, including family and friends from the Fort Knox community, who celebrated his and his unitAca,!a,,cs safe return from Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Aca,!A"This was a very humbling experience, representing the 3d ESC Soldiers deployed for 15-months and our Army. The support from the Cincinnati Reds organization and the fans was overwhelming,Aca,!A? said Higdon. Aca,!A"This was a once in a lifetime experience and to be a part of an event like this with my children has made a memory we will never forget.Aca,!A?
The Reds were one of many sports organizations which supported the 3d ESC during their 15-month deployment. As a sign of appreciation, the 3d ESC had an American flag flown above Iraq for the team, which now hangs in the Reds front office along with a banner signed by 3d ESC Soldiers.
The Reds organization really out did themselves with everything they have done for our Soldiers,Aca,!A? said Higdon. Aca,!A"Many members of the Reds took the time and asked me to personally thank the Soldiers and their families for the much appreciated service to our country.Aca,!A?
Along with the Reds, the 3d ESC was supported by the Louisville Bats, which are the Reds AAA minor league baseball affiliate.
In April of 2009, the Bats invited Col. Marvin Whitaker, the 3d ESC chief of staff, and Sgt. Monica Olson, an administrative assistant with the 3d ESC, to throw out the first pitch and sing the national anthem as part of their opening night events.
The 3d ESC returned to Fort Knox on August 10, 2009, after a third successful deployment to Iraq in which it served as the senior logistics headquarters under Multinational Corps-Iraq and was responsible for all logistics operations within the Iraqi theater.
Photos and story by Spc. Michael Behlin, 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) public affairs.
For queries, contact 3d Sustainment Command Public Affairs at: (502) 624-8601.
For high-resolution photos and stories by the 3d Sustainment Command, please contact the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System by calling (678) 421-6612 or access them online at http://www.dvidshub.net/units/3sce.
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