AN NAJAF, IRAQ- Oxford based National Guard Company, A (Viper) Company 2-198th Armor Battalion, continued onto its seventh month in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. Operating out of Forward Operation Base (FOB) Hotel, Viper Co maintained its support and stability operations in the city of An Najaf. An Najaf is about an hour’s drive south of Baghdad.  It is the heart of the Shiite Muslim faith and is considered to be the most holy city in Iraq as it houses both the burial site and mosque of their prophet Iman Ali.  An Najaf has proved to be an essential part of our reconstruction project as it is seen as being the blue print of how the newly formed government can succeed in Iraq due to the peace and stability it has enjoyed during post war Iraq. The insurgency in the city has been virtually wiped out through the dedication of the populous to establishing peace in their city. The locals here play a vital role in maintaining their own security and in reporting suspected terrorist activities to the IA and coalition forces. Coalition forces have been playing a supporting role providing mainly advisory positions in the local infrastructure. 
     Viper Company continued its training of the Iraqi Army (IA), civil affairs escorts, and quick reaction force missions. To the relief of the soldiers, routine missions remained peaceful. The company has become extremely efficient in completing its missions and has been able to supplement missions elsewhere as needed. Viper Company continued to train the IA soldiers on basic battle drills and its officers on leadership skills. 2nd platoon was able to take a company of IA soldiers on a mission to evaluate the skills they have acquired to date. The mission was to conduct joint show of force operations in an area just south of Baghdad near the city of Haswa. The mission went remarkably well with all soldiers returning home safely. This mission further proved that the local IA Battalion, the 405th, is capable of handling security for the area.
     Viper Company continued its traditional nominations for Soldier and Non Commissioned Officer of the Month. For the month of June, both awards went to soldiers of second platoon. Specialist Kyle R. Stegall, from Sugarland, TX, was awarded soldier of the month for his proficiency in completion of daily tasks and his ability to step up to become patrol non commissioned officer in charge. SPC Stegall, when called upon to lead, did not hesitate but took the task head on. His confidence and proficiency was most evident during Operation Hand Wave with the Iraqi Army. 
     Recently promoted Staff Sergeant Phillip V. Zimmer, from Mobile, AL, was awarded Non Commissioned Officer of the Month for his performance as patrol leader and platoon armorer. His knowledge in weaponry has dramatically increased the combat power of his unit. His leadership also deserves recognition. SGT Zimmer has, on countless occasions, stepped up and taken positions of higher responsibility. It came as no surprise to his peers when he was listed as the most qualified Sergeant in the state of Mississippi for promotion to Staff Sergeant. SSG Zimmer received the only promotion in Viper Company this month as he was promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant of the Mississippi National Guard. His promotion led to his departure from Viper Company back to his parent company in the 155th Infantry. SSG Zimmer’s departure will be thoroughly missed by his fellow brothers in arms here in A Co 2-198th AR Battalion. 
     As our time here in Iraq continues to pass and bring us closer to the day when we reunite with our families, please continue to keep all soldiers and their families in your prayers just as we keep all of you back home in ours.  Until our next correspondence, the soldiers of your home town National Guard Unit, A Co., 2-198th Armor, wish you the very best.