Printer-Friendly Format     E-mail this article     James Reed was an All-SEC performer in Oxford after a stellar prep career in Meridian.
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Special Agent James Reed

Former Rebel running back serves in Iraq as a special agent for the NCIS

Aug. 1, 2006

- By Joey Jones
Athletics Media Relations

Many Ole Miss fans will remember him for his blazing speed and electrifying touchdown runs on the gridiron, but one former Rebel great has made a name for himself in a different battlefield since his playing days.

Former running back James Reed, an All-SEC performer in his days as a Rebel, has been a special agent for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service for the past 21 years. With 30 years of law enforcement experience, Reed has recently taken an assignment that will send him far away from the comforts of the United States.

In mid-July, Reed began a four-to-six month stint in Iraq as the supervisor of eight special agents performing counter-intelligence and criminal investigation tasks for the Department of Defense.

After having spent time on assignment in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Corpus Christi, Texas, Camp Lejune, N.C., Memphis, Tenn., the Navy Support Facility at Diego Garcia, the national headquarters in Washington, D.C., and temporary assignments in Australia, Asia, Europe and the Middle East during his NCIS career, Reed will be up close and personal with the global war on terrorism while in Iraq.

"We will be conducting investigations regarding criminal matters committed by U.S. military, DOD or civilian personnel on assignment to that area, or matters regarding criminal or terrorism acts that could possibly harm the military's and/or DOD's personnel, assets or infrastructure, particularly in that area," said the 51-year-old Reed, who along with Ben Williams, was the first African-American to play football at the University of Mississippi.

Reed has a wealth of experience in his field, but has never served an extensive period of time in such a hostile area, and he noted that challenges will face him and his team in such an unaccustomed environment.

However, the Meridian, Miss., native draws from a strong heritage for support and motivation.

"My father, three brothers and sister all served in the military. Being the youngest and knowing what they did to sacrifice themselves not only for me, but for their country, gives me all the reason to do my part as a citizen. I feel that I owe a debt to society, and that's giving me the opportunity to do something I've never done before."

Reed also explained how some of the lessons he learned as a student-athlete at Ole Miss continue to be of value in his line of work.

"Some of the skills and tools you develop in sports remain with you in your job," he said. "Teamwork, perseverance, patience, diligence and persistence are all skills that I continue to apply to my work. You learn how to deal fairly with others and work with others in an environment you're not accustomed to working with. Being able to maintain your composure, stay focused and not be overwhelmed is another lesson I learned through sports."

This remarkable man, who was a standout football player, was a model citizen as a collegian, as well. Reed graduated from Ole Miss in 1976 with a degree in Public Administration and Law Enforcement and minors in Political Science and Sociology. Some Rebel fans may also remember his contributions to the community, as Reed was known to spend time counseling and befriending underprivileged children at local health centers.

Reed recently acknowledged his pride for his alma mater when he said, "I feel that I am indeed an ambassador for the University of Mississippi."

Through his outstanding service to all society, it is plain to see that Reed is a great ambassador for the University, his family, the state of Mississippi and his country.