National Guardsman Runs the Iditarod

In the cold mountains of Alaska, the 'World's Last Great Race' is underway. Dogs are pulling sleds as their mushers urge them on in the Iditarod.

One of the first time mushers is Army National Guard Master Sergeant Rodney Whaley. His official biography:

Rodney Whaley, 55, is an Army Master Sergeant, serving on active duty with the Army National Guard. He lived his childhood in Alaska, racing in junior races in the 1960s, and has always remained passionate about sled dog racing. Utilizing the skills he has developed in the Army National Guard the past twenty-four years, he is running the 2008 Iditarod, and is the first Tennessean to have ever entered the race. Whaley began his Iditarod training in 2002 at Nakitsilik Outdoor Adventures in British Columbia, Canada. He has since trained at the Howling Dog Farm in Willow, Alaska and with Al Hardman in Northern Michigan. Whaley resides in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife, Vicki. He is the father of two grown children, Karen, 31, and Rodney Jr., 30. He received his Masters degree from Middle Tennessee State University, is a member of ClearView Baptist Church, Franklin, TN, International Sled Dog Racing Association, Mush with P.R.I.D.E., and Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association as a certified high school football official, having officiated for 25 years.

Rod is the first Tennessean to compete in the 1,159 mile race.

The race started on Sunday, March 3. As of this writing Rod Whaley, bib number 78 has advanced two places to 76! We check his progress several times a day. Go Rod!!!

To read more about Rod Whaley - http://tndogmusher.com/home.html

You can also leave a message of support and encouragement for Rod there!
To follow the race and see some amazing pictures and videos - http://www.iditarod.com/