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FORT KNOX, Ky. — Col. Curt C. Higdon, the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) assistant chief of staff, operations, threw out the ceremonial first-pitch for the Cincinnati Reds game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Oct. 3 at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park.
Higdon's opportunity came in front of 25,000 fans, including family and friends from the Fort Knox community, who celebrated his and his unit's safe return from Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"This was a very humbling experience, representing the 3rd ESC Soldiers deployed for 15-months and our Army. The support from the Cincinnati Reds organization and the fans was overwhelming," said Higdon. "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."
The Reds were one of many sports organizations which supported the 3rd ESC during their 15-month deployment. As a sign of appreciation, the 3rd 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 3rd ESC Soldiers.
The Reds organization really out did themselves with everything they have done for our Soldiers," said Higdon. "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."
Along with the Reds and NASCAR, which sponsored a video tribute to the command on Veterans Day, the 3rd 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 3rd ESC chief of staff, and Sgt. Monica Olson, an administrative assistant with the 3rd ESC, to throw out the first pitch and sing the national anthem as part of their opening night events.
The 3rd ESC returned to Fort Knox Aug. 10, 2009, after a third successful deployment to Iraq in which it served as the senior logistics headquarters under Multi-National Corps-Iraq and was responsible for all logistics operations within the Iraqi theater.
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 10.27.2009 13:51 |
| Story ID: | 40748 |
| Location: | FORT KNOX, US |
| Web Views: | 157 |
| Downloads: | 131 |
This work, Sustainer throws first pitch at Reds Game, by SFC Michael Behlin, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
