Pray for Dan Whisnant('85) as he heads back to Iraq

"Another time in the 'land between the two rivers'...I really cannot believe the time has gone by so fast since I got home last April and now I'm headed back to Iraq. The training package that we have undergone for the last 120 days has been a whirlwind but it has been absolutely what we needed to get ready to go and fight a living, breathing, thinking enemy. I never second-guessed God or myself this time around because I witnessed what He did the 1st time I went over. I am now directly responsible for over 190 young men's lives and a large stretch of ground that runs along the Euphrates River (I'll let you know where that is once I get settled in country). Being with these men throughout the summer has been an absolutely unbelievable experience! The average age is 22. Over 80% joined after 9/11 because they wanted to be part of something that is the very best in the world, part of an organization that fights for freedom and liberty for others, part of an organization that will show up anytime, anywhere, in any weather and kick in a door of a terrorist hideout, or capture a weapons cache, or bring medical supplies and clean water to those that so desparately need it, or just stand between a crazed insurgent who cannot stand the thought of freedom and the citizens of a nation who yearn for democracy. The anniversary of 9/11 is tomorrow. Many of you know that Michele and I were flying from Newark to Chicago that very morning. When we came off the plane, the 1st tower had already been hit. When I saw the 2nd tower get hit, I turned to Michele and said "We're going to war." I didn't realize my words at that time would impact me and my family the way it has since the beginning of 2004. But I go with a happy heart knowing that I'm in the Lord's hands, I'm in your prayers daily, I have the best training in the world, and I have the very best and brightest this nation has to offer who wear an Eagle, Globe and Anchor over their heart on their camoflage utilities. It is such a blessing to be a part of this group. They willingly sleep in the dirt, go without showers for weeks on end, walk for miles in 110 degree heat with loads that are nearly half some of their body weight and they do all this with smiles on their faces. I depart in less than a week. The rest of the company will join me towards the end of this month. I talked to them last night and I'll talk to them again later this week for the last time before these youngs warriors go to battle. They are so eager to get this started. They are ready. They are prepared. Their minds, their bodies and I'm praying that their souls are ready for what lies ahead. Blood, sweat and tears will be shed over the next 8 months by these warriors and by those who are fortunate enough to be associated in way or another with these magnificent young men.. I thank you foremost for your prayers. Pray that we remain vigilant throughout our time. That we don't succumb to complacency at any time. That we continually take the fight to the enemy. That we are righteous in our decisionmaking. That we stand proud with a clean conscience before you and the Iraqi people when this fight is done. I thank you also for your unwavering support. The enemy is attacking the political will of the American public. Don't falter here...don't let us down by doubting the mission and the people carrying it out. Don't watch the news continually! I promise to keep you updated at least every two weeks and more often if time allows. Thanks to those who are caring and praying for my family - who has allowed me this opportunity to go again and be separated yet again from them. I know it is tough on all of them but they have stayed so positive throughout and God has blessed them for it. Please write either via email or at the address below and of course care packages are always welcome!! AA batteries, baby wipes and Swedish fish are the staples in Iraq!! "

Semper Fidelis,
Major Dan Whisnant
Ps 144:1

MMBA Begins '06-'07 School Year

The 36th school year began Monday, August 21. Enrollment for the school is 310 students. Principal Steve Tompkins is starting his 3rd school year at MMBA. The other faculty/staff are:

Elementary Supervisor - Dianne Philips
Childcare Supevisor - Karen Coggins
Pre-School - Joan Harney, Liz Martuneac, Rita Woods, Kathy Gabel
K-5 - Theresa Wetzel, Jackie Maronic('98)
1st Grade - Rhonda Todd('83)
2nd Grade - Jill Zajac
3rd Grade - Renee Klavohn('99)
4th Grade - Jill Scalzitti
5th Grade - Cathy Taylor
6th Grade - Lynn Keaton
Computers - Dave Harney
Science - Regina DeLozier
Math - Mark Wetzel
English - Sandy Rogers('83)
Jr. & Sr. High Band, Sr. High Choir - Tim Wampler
Jr. High Choir, Elementary music - Dan Askins
Athletic Director - Ed Smith
French - Jackie Maronic('98)
Music - Sandy Askins, Valerie Mueller
Kitchen - Cindy Zajac
Office - Melissa Huizinga, Sandy Primm, DeAnna Huba

Pray for the MMBA faculty/staff as they teach a generation of young people to grow in Christ.