Tim James helping the fight in Iraq

Tim James received a Christmas package a few days after the holiday, yet he was still as eager as a child to open the present.

The gift came from his alma mater, the University of Miami, as a gesture of appreciation. James ripped open the box, full of Hurricanes clothing and posters, and immediately began posting them on the wall and handing out T-shirts.

For a moment, he was able to act like a proud fan and not a soldier.

It's been exactly 16 months since James, a former Miami Heat first-round pick, enlisted in the Army. He's spent the last six months serving in Iraq at Camp Speicher in Tikrit, a base 85 miles north of Baghdad. He now has the title of Corporal, no longer a power forward.

"I work with a loyal Georgia Tech fan so I had to fight these battles about 'The U' and Tech," James said by phone. "I'm glad we beat them in football this year. [Sports] are actually a great outlet. It gives us something to talk about it. It makes us feel like we're home."

James, who turned 33 on Christmas, is a long way from his Liberty City roots, and the days of traveling first-class in the NBA. He describes his living conditions as comparable to a college dormitory, about 500 square feet. When he first arrived, fellow soldiers told him stories of having to shower outside, but indoor facilities have since been installed.

The 6-foot-7 James, known for his leaping ability as a player, spends most days refueling and preparing aircraft.

"[James] is staying pretty busy with the mission and upkeep of the fuel vehicles," Capt. Curtis Byron said via email. "A lot rests on his shoulders during his 12-hour shift."

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(sun-sentinel.com)