Monticello Soldier named 'Soldier of the Month'

Photo By Staff Sgt. Emily Suhr | Sgt. Charles William "Will" Stanback, Jr. of Monticello, Miss., is named the 106th Brigade Support Battalion, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard Soldier of the Month, Oct. 19, at Camp Taji, Iraq.  

TAJI, IRAQ

10.19.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Emily Suhr 

106th Brigade Support Battalion

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Sgt. Charles William "Will" Stanback, Jr. of Monticello, Miss., was named "Soldier of the Month," Oct. 19, on Camp Taji, Iraq.

Stanback, who is serving as a Camp Taji Garrison Command military intelligence non-commissioned officer and Task Force S.A.F.E. NCO in charge with the 106th Brigade Support Battalion, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, is the second Monticello Soldier to claim this esteemed title. The "Soldier of the Month" board is a monthly competition held by the 106th BSB designed to test Soldier's knowledge in a range of areas.

"Not only does this give the Soldiers of the Camp Taji Garrison Command something to look forward to each month, it instills a great sense of pride and accomplishment in the recipients of this honor," said Stanback. "The 'Soldier of the Month' competition is also a teamwork building way for Soldiers and NCO's to increase their knowledge of the rules and regulations which govern the U.S. Army."
This is Stanback's second deployment with the 106th BSB. He has served in the Mississippi Army National Guard for nearly five years. When not deployed, Stanback is a student, most recently at Pearl River Community College. He plans to study political science and history, and possibly attend law school in the future.

"Being selected as the 'Soldier of the Month' means a lot to me," said Stanback, who added that he learned a lot while preparing for the competition. "Prior to being selected to make an appearance before the 'Soldier of the Month' board, a Soldier must demonstrate the qualities that the Garrison Command requires of an outstanding soldier. To be selected as a competitor is an honor in itself."
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 106th BSB, 155th BCT has been deployed to Camp Taji in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since July.

"Thanks to all my friends and family back home," added Stanback. "Your prayers and support have, and still do, mean the world to me."

• Date Taken: 10.19.2009
• Date Posted: 11.02.2009 03:24
• Story ID: 40945
• Location: TAJI, IQ