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| Commander's Corner |
- CPT Scott M. Caldwell - Company
Commander. |
| The Moving Wall (a
traveling half-sized replication of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington
D.C. ) is in Oxford outside the Armory from April 23-30
click
here for more information
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Battle Update from A Company 2/198th AR Combat Team:
AN NAJAF, IRAQ- After settling into
our area of operation, A Co. (Viper), 2-198th AR, continued its support
and stability operations. The company, made up of three maneuver platoons
and one support platoon (headquarters), resumed its rotation of civil affairs,
quick reaction force and Iraqi Army training. The soldiers of Viper Co.
had a somewhat “peaceful” month in Iraq. Beside the drama of local political
leaders experienced with the transition of authority resulting from the
election, Najaf was relatively quiet which pleased the local populace and
especially our soldiers.
However, into middle of the
month of March, Viper Co. was specially chosen to conduct a mission just
south of Baghdad as we were needed to assist a sister battalion in another
city, Iskanderia. Upon orders, soldiers postponed their usual support and
stability operations to prepare for this special mission up north. As soon
as preparation was over, which lasted about three days, the company began
movement to a northern Forward Operations Base (FOB) called Kalsu. The
mission was of an offensive nature where Multinational Forces were needed
to find and confiscate illegal weapons, suspected to be anything from pistols
to artillery shells. The missions for the platoons were different. Two
platoons had to man “blocking positions” to prevent any insurgents from
escaping. The other platoon was assigned the task of manning a patrol base
in Haswa and from there conduct dismounted presence patrols. The trip and
the mission took no more then six days. Viper Co. completed the mission
successfully with no casualties and the overall mission was a success.
In the month of March, two soldiers distinguished themselves earning Soldier
of the Month and Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Month. Specialist
Jamie Lamont Chandler, of Phebe, MS and a member of first platoon, was
chosen as the company’s Soldier of the Month. SPC Chandler distinguished
himself by aiding others in times of need. He not only preformed his primary
job as HMMWV driver, but also looked out for other soldiers when they needed
help. As an example of his selflessness, he aided the platoon leader as
his radio operator, and helped to ensure that his vehicle maintained a
combat ready status at all times. Specialist Chandler is indeed a distinguished
individual setting an example for all soldiers regardless of rank.
Viper Company’s NCO of the month
is Sergeant Nichols Hunter Hughes, from  Batesville,
MS, and a member of third platoon. SGT Hughes distinguished himself during
the surge mission up north. During the mission SGT Hughes set the example
on how to utilize large firepower and the rules of engagement and escalation
of force. With his knowledge of the rules of engagement, he was successful
in preventing any accidental collateral damage when he engaged a possible
VBIED at one of the blocking positions. The vehicle was successfully disabled
without killing the driver or passengers. The occupants of the vehicle
were detained and no further collateral damage was caused.
Also awarded this month, four soldiers from second platoon received Army
Achievement Medals for their conduct during the National Training Center
rotation. They are: Staff Sergeant Phillip Zimmer of Mobile, AL; Sergeant
John C. Branson of Southaven, MS; Specialist Kyle R. Stegall of Sugarland,
TX; and Specialist James Caulfield from Water Valley, MS. They have represented
their states and unit well in the months leading up to this deployment
and while at the National Training Center. Viper Company is extremely proud
to have these four soldiers as part of our unit. Finally, Viper Company
also promoted one of its Platoon Leaders. 2nd Lieutenant Rodney Aaron Edwards
from Rolling Fort, MS was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. 1st Lt. Edwards is
the third platoon leader and will continue to lead his platoon throughout
this Iraqi rotation. 
As our time here in Iraq continues
to pass from day to day, many soldiers are starting to feel the pain of
being away from home. Some lucky soldiers are starting to take leave to
go home and see family and friends while others are taking pass to other
nearby countries to get some R&R (Rest and Relaxation). Unfortunately,
only a few soldiers can leave at one time, so the majority of soldiers
here are patiently waiting their turn. Soldiers are still enjoying letters
and care-packages sent from home, as well as the e-mail and instant messages
they are able to use to keep in touch with loved ones back home. As always,
the time spent away from our families is the hardest part of any deployment.
Please keep all the soldiers and their families in your prayers. Until
our next correspondence, the soldiers of your home town National Guard
Unit, A Co., 2-198th Armor, wish you the very best. |
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In the month of March, two soldiers distinguished themselves earning Soldier
of the Month and Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Month. Specialist
Jamie Lamont Chandler, of Phebe, MS and a member of first platoon, was
chosen as the company’s Soldier of the Month. SPC Chandler distinguished
himself by aiding others in times of need. He not only preformed his primary
job as HMMWV driver, but also looked out for other soldiers when they needed
help. As an example of his selflessness, he aided the platoon leader as
his radio operator, and helped to ensure that his vehicle maintained a
combat ready status at all times. Specialist Chandler is indeed a distinguished
individual setting an example for all soldiers regardless of rank.
Batesville,
MS, and a member of third platoon. SGT Hughes distinguished himself during
the surge mission up north. During the mission SGT Hughes set the example
on how to utilize large firepower and the rules of engagement and escalation
of force. With his knowledge of the rules of engagement, he was successful
in preventing any accidental collateral damage when he engaged a possible
VBIED at one of the blocking positions. The vehicle was successfully disabled
without killing the driver or passengers. The occupants of the vehicle
were detained and no further collateral damage was caused.
Also awarded this month, four soldiers from second platoon received Army
Achievement Medals for their conduct during the National Training Center
rotation. They are: Staff Sergeant Phillip Zimmer of Mobile, AL; Sergeant
John C. Branson of Southaven, MS; Specialist Kyle R. Stegall of Sugarland,
TX; and Specialist James Caulfield from Water Valley, MS. They have represented
their states and unit well in the months leading up to this deployment
and while at the National Training Center. Viper Company is extremely proud
to have these four soldiers as part of our unit. Finally, Viper Company
also promoted one of its Platoon Leaders. 2nd Lieutenant Rodney Aaron Edwards
from Rolling Fort, MS was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. 1st Lt. Edwards is
the third platoon leader and will continue to lead his platoon throughout
this Iraqi rotation. 