Much to my Mother's chagrin, I have began flying here in Basrah. Days like Mother's Day are especially tough, as many of us are used to stopping by to see our mom's on this holiday. I sent her a little something from Kuwait with a card, but I'm sure she'd rather have a visit. This is the third time I've missed Mother's day due to a deployment. I missed 2003 in Kosovo and 2006 during my first tour in Iraq.

No need to worry Mom, I'm in good hands over here. The Army was even kind enough to give me another Delaware Countian to fly our chopper straight.

My first flight was piloted by Lieutenant Mark "Nighthawk" Martella (pictured left) of Briarcliffe. We landed at another base for a break and he was able to call his mother for a few seconds. He frequently brags about her cooking and occasionally scoffs at the chow hall food here in Iraq. He most frequent statement is a sarcastic "just like mom makes" when ever the cook makes an attempt at Italian food.

We also recently found out that the Martella's used to live next to my cousin John Miccarelli on Jackson Avenue in Collingdale. Delco is a small place.