CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Sgt. Charles William “Will” Stanback Jr., ofMonticello, was named “Soldier of the Month,” in October at CampTaji, Iraq.

Stanback, who is serving as a Camp Taji Garrison Commandmilitary intelligence non-commissioned officer and Task ForceS.A.F.E. NCO in charge with the 106th Brigade Support Battalion,155th Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, is thesecond Monticello soldier to claim the esteemed title. The “Soldierof the Month” board is a monthly competition held by the 106th BSBdesigned to test soldiers’ knowledge in a range of areas.

“Not only does this give the soldiers of the Camp Taji GarrisonCommand something to look forward to each month, it instills agreat sense of pride and accomplishment in the recipients of thishonor,” said Stanback. “The ‘Soldier of the Month’ competition isalso a teamwork building way for soldiers and NCOs to increasetheir knowledge of the rules and regulations, which govern the U.S.Army.”

This is Stanback’s second deployment with the 106th BSB. He hasserved in the Mississippi Army National Guard for nearly fiveyears. When not deployed, Stanback is a student, most recently atPearl River Community College. He plans to study political scienceand history, and possibly attend law school in the future.

“Being selected as the ‘Soldier of the Month’ means a lot tome,” said Stanback, who added that he learned a lot while preparingfor the competition. “Prior to being selected to make an appearancebefore the ‘Soldier of the Month’ board, a soldier must demonstratethe qualities that the Garrison Command requires of an outstandingsoldier. To be selected as a competitor is an honor in itself.”

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 106th BSB, 155th BCT hasbeen deployed to Camp Taji in support of Operation Iraqi Freedomsince July.

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