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A Touching Letter from a Curve Fan Deployed in Afghanistan

Inspiration from Overseas
October 23, 2020

The Altoona Curve recently received a heart-felt letter from CPT Jacob lngebritson, who is on his second deployment in Afghanistan with the United States Army. He detailed his life-long enjoyment of Minor League Baseball and how closely he follows the Curve. We were so moved by his kind words and

The Altoona Curve recently received a heart-felt letter from CPT Jacob lngebritson, who is on his second deployment in Afghanistan with the United States Army. He detailed his life-long enjoyment of Minor League Baseball and how closely he follows the Curve.

We were so moved by his kind words and hearing what Minor League Baseball means to him and his company. The role of sports for our soldiers is an important distraction and we take great pride in being a small part of their mission.

We have included the text of CPT Ingebritson's letter below. The Curve are putting together a care package for the unit to provide a taste of home. If anyone wishes to contribute, please contact the Curve for how you can help.

Greetings from Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan! I am CPT Jacob lngebritson; commander of Bravo Company "Buccaneers", 1-211th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Task Force Mustang, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Bravo Company consists of 47 Soldiers, comprised of pilots and aircraft maintainers. Our mission is to provide a constant air attack presence with AH-64D Apache Longbows; in order to find, fix and destroy enemies of the United States of America. This is my second year long deployment to Afghanistan, most of my fellow Soldiers have more than two deployments during their careers.

I am truly humbled and honored to be the commander of heroes; men and women who do heroic things every day. They perform marvelously while being subjected to the unforgiving conditions of combat. Men and women who refuse to accept defeat or allow a mission to fail, all for freedom and the American people. To whom the United States flag on their sleeve is more important than their last name on their chest. I am truly honored to be their commander.

I have been a baseball fan my entire life. As a child my dad took me to my first Minor League Baseball game, I have been passionate about MiLB since that game. I avidly follow the Altoona Curve, regardless of where the Army sends me! There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of games; from the fans, the energy at Peoples Natural Gas Field, to the passion the players bring to each and every play. Players working hard trying to make the Pittsburgh Pirates 40 man roster!

Baseball games are often the highlight of our time here in Afghanistan due to the camaraderie amongst Soldiers and the pure enjoyment of sports. When we watch baseball games as a unit, it is one of the few times we can wear something other than our uniform and issued body armor, since we are able to watch in an armored command post. This is due to the constant threat of mortar and rocket attacks here in Afghanistan. It is the closest feeling we have to being back home with friends and family watching a game.

During this time of COVID-19, social and political unrest, we as a unit have grown stronger with our shared love of sports. Regardless of race, orientation, political views, religion, etc., sports has been instrumental in the bonding amongst Soldiers, especially while in a combat zone. Thank you for everything you do, thank you for giving us something to look forward to and cheer for.

Since this MiLB season is cancelled due to COVID-19, I follow the Pittsburgh Pirates. Yet, I'm looking forward to next season, when Curve baseball resumes!

I have included a few photos of who we are and what we do. The first photo is a picture of Task Force Mustang. Task Force Mustang includes all U.S. Army aviation units in Bagram, Afghanistan (more than 300 Soldiers).

Please know there are a group of devoted and passionate baseball fans here in Afghanistan. Go Curve! Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

CPT Jacob lngebritson
B Co 1-211 "Buccaneers"
TF MUSTANG
Bagram Air Field