Commander's Corner -  CPT Scott M. Caldwell - Company Commander.  Battle Update from A Company 2/198th AR Combat Team: AN NAJAF, IRAQ- The Soldiers of Alpha Company 2/198 Armor have finally settled into their new home at Forward Operation Base (FOB) Hotel after a long process of deploying from Mississippi to Kuwait and then to Iraq, .  FOB Hotel is located just south of Baghdad in the Iraqi City of Najaf.  The Company has completed its Left Seat/Right Seat ride with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and has taken over operational control of the area.  A few of the missions that have been assigned to the soldiers of Alpha Company are:  Train an Iraqi Army Battalion, Provide a liaison officer to the local Iraqi Police Department, Provide a Quick Reaction Force (QRF), Provide Security for Civil Affairs, and Provide a detail for FOB Security.  The soldiers have learned their way around the city of Najaf and have also become familiar with the major supply routes.           The soldiers are keeping busy with the several missions they are assigned each day, but they are also making time to move in and set up some comforts from home.  With the FOB having already been built and occupied by another unit, soldiers were able to find comfort in pods (container like quarters), and a large dinning facility. Soldiers were also surprised to find running water and flushing toilets. Overall the general feeling of our living conditions was extremely positive.           Several soldiers have set up computers and portable DVD players for entertainment during their personal time.  Others have brought various books to read and video games to play to help pass the time on their less demanding work days.  Some soldiers are spending their extra time talking with interpreters and learning as much of the Arabic language as possible.  The soldiers also have an MWR tent which has a few pool tables, ping pong tables, X-Box video games, a weight room/Gym, and a Big Screen TV to watch special broadcasts such as the Super bowl and the Daytona 500.  The FOB also has a small Chapel set up behind the MWR tent and offers programs such as Martial Arts for the soldiers to occupy their spare time.  The soldiers also enjoy a Computer Internet Café where they log in and spend up to 30 minutes at a time checking e-mail and communicating via Instant Messenger to their families and friends back home. Telephones are also available for a 30 minute phone call home.  The lines to use these valuable assets are not that bad, but can become lengthy during peek communication times.  The time difference between Iraq and Mississippi is 9 hours.  The best times for soldiers to call home is late in the afternoon, say about 7:00pm, where it is 10:00 am back in Mississippi.  A typical soldier will call home late in the afternoon and talk to his family which is just waking up and getting ready to start their day.           As we have patrolled the streets of An Najaf we have learned that most Iraqis truly do appreciate and want us here.   They are thankful that we are giving them the opportunity to live without fear of oppression.  It is fulfilling to watch and aid the birth of a new democracy.  Operation Iraqi Freedom is working and An Najaf is a perfect example of how.  While the job is far from complete, huge steps are being taken daily toward its completion.           During this month Viper Company had its first combat promotion.  Private First Class Joshua Craig Tharpe, from Grenada, was promoted to Specialist in the United States Army.  He has served well as an assistant gunner/dismount in 1st platoon.  He has shown his dedication to his peers and has always been professional in his profession of arms.  Specialist Tharpe has made his Platoon and Company extremely proud.  The Company also selected its NCO and Soldier of the month.  For the month of February, Viper Company is proud to announce Specialist David Starbuck, of 1st platoon, as Soldier of the Month.  He has been selected because of his dedication to his duty and his willingness to help his fellow brothers in arms.  Specialist Starbuck, from South Haven, took time out of his own schedule to train not only others in his own Platoon, but others within the Battalion as well.  His expertise in weapons manipulation was extremely useful in conjunction with his patience which leads him to become a successful instructor and leader.  Also, for the month of February, Viper Company is proud to announce Staff Sergeant Christopher Coleman, of third platoon, as our NCO of the month. Staff Sergeant Coleman, of Tupelo, exceeded the expectations of a Tank/Vehicle Commander.  He took it upon himself to make sure all patrols were squared away before leaving the FOB.  Staff Sergeant Coleman also aided the Platoon Leader in his normal duties so that the Platoon Leader could concentrate on training the officers of the local Iraqi Army Battalion.            The Company will spend the next year completing various missions in and around Najaf, Iraq.  The deployment will be difficult for both the soldiers and their families back home.  However, with the luxuries of the Internet and Instant Messenger service, the soldiers and families will be able to keep in touch and better cope with the separation.  Care packages sent from home are also helpful and help soldiers be more comfortable during their stay here in the FOB.  If anyone is interested in helping the soldiers of Alpha Company 2/198, please contact the Family Support Group through the local armory as they are preparing care packages for each soldier.  The easiest and most important way to support this company is with your prayers.  Both the soldiers and their families back home are starting to feel the pains of separation and problems that come with a long term military deployment.  Please remember the men of this unit and their families in your prayers and may God bless our efforts here in Najaf and elsewhere throughout Iraq.        Back to Home Page