Hey, this is Jim's Big Sister and thought I would pass on the lastest news in his life. He is still in the Army @ the rank of LT.COL. serving his 3rd tour in Iraq which started as 9mons, then extended to 12 and now rumored to go on to 18mon. I am so proud of him, he is a real leader. He protects his young soldiers as he would his own family (some of you may have kids the same age as his soliders). If it is dangerous, Jim is in the front, side, of back, wherever the most danger is likely to come from. He humbly states he is the most experienced and best shooter of the bunch. Recently, he made a suggestion to a General and has been transferred from the palace to the Embassy to participate in reconstruction discussions. He is a gentleman of courage, honor, bravery, duty and service you would be surprised to see the transition from the funny goofy kid you graduated with to the straight backed, stately gentleman. But when off duty he is still hilarious and bring tears to your eyes. He is hopeful to be @ the next reunion as he was on a different continent for all the others. He would be so surprised, humbled, and grateful to receive notes, cards, letters, or goodie box from a group. Of course, I'm not telling him about this post so he would be really surprised. I know what your class has sent to him in the past meant a great deal to him. He would appreciate your prayers for himself, his commrades, Iraq, and peace.

Here is his mailing address, which must be writen exactly as typed below.

LTC Jim Whatley
MNFI STRATEFF ONR
APO AE 09316

Thanks for letting a big sis brag on her lil bro
LaNell Whatley '79

We need to have a class celebration when Jim returns to Tulsa, hopefully BEFORE the next class reunion.

I know Jim would be humbled, very honored, and love seeing all of you fellow classmates. I will keep you posted on his happenings. He was able to return to Ft. Hood for a 2wk leave and returned to Iraq last week. He was able to take his oldest son to get his driver's license, which was a nice surprise (the leave was a last minute thing) He had to buy 'regular clothes' to take back as many of his negotiation meetings are with diplomats and State department officials and not uniformed military officers. He was originally scheduled to come state side 12-07 (1yr) which was extended for all soldiers an additional 3 months. At this time he should be out of Iraq 3-08 BUT, pentagon is considering extending all tours another 3 months, bringing him home 06-08. That would mean he will have spent 1 1/2yrs in a war zone. As you can imagine any correspondence is welcomed. He doesn't have access to any magazines; so anyone who has subscriptions to any men's magazines after you are finished with them, if you would send them to him it would be terific. Any magazines about sports, hunting, fishing, GQ, fitness, men's health, ect.. that men enjoy. Jim says when someone does get a magazine it is passed around so much it literally falls apart and I guess they pass the pages around separately. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for Jim and his family, as well as, all the other military members and families who sacrifice so much for our country and the freedoms we can take for granted.
Big Sis
LaNell

I was just recently advised that no pornographic material is allowed in country. Even the SI swimsuit edition it not permitted.
Jim commented today on the mail he had just received from a classmate.
Thanks
LaNell