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It was basically a high school gym class, with students split into different teams. WeÕd play several different sports each day and keep standings. Best record at the end of the semmester, was the champion.

This class got me through high school and despite being a writer, trumps english as my most important class of life. Not only did it keep me in shape and gave me enough credits to gradute, since I took the class three times. Thank you Bay City School District.

Every kind of character was in this class, all sports fans, with different talents. The handful of us that led the class, distributed nicknames to either those we were very fond of, or those with names we kept forgetting. There was the kid with big hair - ÒRod StewartÓ; the kid that shot rainbow-arc basketball shots - ÒJoey DumarsÓ; another with pointy ears that liked Star Wars too much - ÒEwokÓ.

Jamie Baker, was one of the guys we were fond of, we always remembered his name. A hard-working guy, that didnÕt say much during the gameÊand the rhyme scheme made it perfect - Playmaker Baker. My role was more scoring touchdowns and shooting 3-pointers and making sure our opponent was aware of each one of them. His role, was doing the grunt work - tough rebounds, setting picks, setting blocks and spiking at the volleyball net.

His role is still the tough work, that may not get the headlines like those of us that hold daily press conferences in our mind.He is serving his second tour in Iraq for the military and keeping in touch with me. ThereÕs seven months remaining in this tour, which began for him in March. I asked him to keep in touch while overseas, so we have plenty to talk about when we meet later this year.

I also told him I was going to update our readers as often as possible, on how my high school buddy was doing and what troops are experiencing - without the slant.

He sent me a message last week, with the message title ÒFrustrationÓ. This message is verbatim.

ÒWhat up brother? How is life in Michigan? Today was one of those days here. Between the corruption in the Iraqi higher-up chain of command, and our officers thinking we can win this war with paperwork, hugs and kisses. I dont know what is worse - we catch some bad guys, and the Iraqi generals release them for a large amount of cash. Then, with our officers, they want a 15-page report to do a mission on someone wanted for killing people or setting bombs. By the time they process the report, it is too late. This is a different type of war than the last time I was here. They need to pull out all troops and send in the PeaceÊCorps, aÊbunch of lawyers and some creative writing professors to write these reports. Does not matter, I will be back in 7 months. I will get some pictures out soon bro, I know I keep saying that but I will. Take care brother and have fun at work. Jamie.Ó

Another message he sent, referred to his unit training the Iraqi Police. Now, heÕs playing the role of teacher, rather than Mr. Darbee.

Ò(Need) bug spray. I can handle getting shot at, but these little (deleted) are getting on my nerves. Always flying around my head and biting the hell out of me. So bug spray would be great. Spent the last couple of days training the Iraqi Police and a couple of companies from the local Iraqi Army. The teaching portion is fun, they are motivated and always trying to show us that they can get the job done. We train them, then we take them out on missions with us, it is cool, because you get to see them in action. Plus, it is instant feedback on how well you teach. Bad thing is, if you are a (deleted reference to poor) teacher, then you can get them killed. I take a lot of time preparing and training myself and my guys, before we go in front of them. Hope all is going good back there. Jamie.Ó

My feelings on our current administration or policy in Iraq? No comment. ItÕs not what this column is about.

JamieÕs the first buddy to go to Iraq, IÕve ever had. When he sends messages about what he and fellow troops go through and the basics they need, rather than anger or frustration, it drives me to action now, because heÕs my friend.

In a previous message, he said he and other troops are in need of items, such as bug spray. Our soldiers, including my friend, need our help and communication to get through an event that affects all our lives. IÕm sending him weekly packages with bug spray, candy, magazines and such. Many soldiers have no one to receive items from - unless we choose to do it.

IÕm sending him, and other troops, packages with these items. If you know someone over there, do the same. If you need someone to send to, contact your local recruiting office, or email the paper and you can send one to my friend and his unit.