The following is an update from Maj. Jason Burley, Chief of Current Operations for the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade in Balad, Iraq. He is raising funds for a Deployed for Habitat Build and will send updates regularly on his mission in Iraq. Click here to see previous postings.

Evansville, Indiana (March 4, 2009) – I have always loved the month of March. Thinking of it I immediately envision Emerald Green that, as I was advised I would, I genuinely miss. Too many great things happen in March to let them go unmentioned — Spring! We spring ahead to Daylight Savings Time, Major League Baseball starts the All American Game, March Madness, Boys State High School Hockey Tourney, WCHA Tourney, the list goes on, and of course the second most important day of the year March 17th St. Patricks Day.

February has been a month accented by weather. And with the weather here, unless it comes in the form of rain, it always equates to dust. We have had very little of the former and this has accentuated the later. It’s kind of a catch 22. If you get rain you can look forward to fine mud.

This mud situation has been elevated to its own condition here on the airfield. We now have Mud Conditions (MUDCON) that represents a hierarchy of levels of concern over the mud. It’s exactly like the Homeland Security Model with Green, Amber, Red and Black. I am not certain of what each level means; however, I have correlated Mud Condition Amber with the amount of mud on my boots and have surmised I never want to go to MUDCON Black!

Click here to read the rest of Maj. Burley's update from Iraq.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Deployed for Habitat build may do so by clicking here. Simply follow directions on the form that appears and select Deployed for Habitat in the drop-down menu.

Please check back regularly to read more updates from Maj. Burley.

About Habitat for Humanity of Evansville
Founded in 1984, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville is a nonprofit Christian ministry whose mission is to build and sell simple, decent houses to hardworking families in Vanderburgh and Posey counties. We partner with individuals, churches, businesses and civic organizations who share our vision to make adequate, affordable housing for all a matter of conscience and action.

To be eligible, families must have incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income. They must have a need for housing, be willing to contribute 300 hours in sweat equity and have the ability to pay their mortgage based on a 25-year, no-interest loan.

For more information, go to www.evansvillehabitat.org or call (812) 423-5623.