- The squad returns to Baghdad and gets their mail. Birdy gets a letter from his mother but it makes him miss home too much, so he decides to open it later.
- Ríos curses when he gets his letter, which tells him his little brother is thinking of joining a gang. When the others point out that they're kind of like a gang, Ríos says at least their gang is respected.
- Marla and another woman, Owens from the medical squad, come in with a TV they'd bartered for and set it up on Jonesy's bed. They watch the footage of the war, but it's all cheering—no mention of places like Ba'qubah.
- That night, Birdy opens a letter from his mother. She tells him about the goings-on at her church and tells him not to be too much of a hero.
- Birdy goes to sleep thinking how he's not a hero at all.