ALTUS -- Oklahoma's dreamcatcher in a field of blue is flying high in Iraq, after seeing two other members of a Blair family safely through their battles.

Maj. Stephen R. Walker, 40-year-old son of Johnnie and Nema Walker of Blair, received an Oklahoma state flag from his uncle-in-law, Dewey Ryan, during his tour of duty in Iraq.

While serving in Vietnam, Ryan had received an Oklahoma state flag from the governor. The flag made its way through Vietnam and was eventually returned home, accompanying Ryan safe and sound to his native state.

Ryan decided to continue the tradition by sending the flag to his oldest sister's stepson, Gerald Harper, who was serving in Iraq during the Gulf War. Again, the flag was returned to Ryan from Gerald safe and sound.

Once Ryan found out that that his sister's son-in-law, Stephen Walker, was serving in Iraq in the current mission, he immediately knew where this special flag would be sent next. In a recent e-mail Walker confirmed to Ryan that the flag had arrived.

"I've got mail today and it is a flag from the great state of Oklahoma," Walker writes. "I'll take a photo to document the occasion and get it out to you all posthaste. My old boss from Ft. Leonard Wood is here now, I kind of share some space with his folks. He's an Okie, so I'm sure he will get a kick out of the flag also. I'll take care of and display it proudly. Thanks."

According to Walker's father, the mail coming from Iraq is "as bad as the Pony Express" and the picture of Walker and the flag itself have not yet arrived. But for now, the flag accompanies Walker during his dangerous journey.

"Pray with us that Stephen comes home the same way he left us -- healthy, happy and filled with love for God," writes Debbie Ryan Thomas, Walker's sister-in-law.

Walker has served in the Army for 16 years. He graduated from Blair High School. After his college years at SWOSU in Weatherford, he went straight into the service. His wife of 17 years, Johna (who grew up in Oklahoma City) lives at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with their two daughters -- Morgan, 16, and Stephanie, 15.

(Paula Harper of Oklahoma City)