CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT -- Command Sgt. Maj. Eric J. Alfieri, former Area Support Group Kuwait command sergeant major, passed the noncommissioned officer sword to Col. Jeff R. Stewart, ASG-KU commander, during a relinquishment of responsibility ceremony at Camp Arifjan, July 2.

Prior to the ceremony Maj. Gen. William B. Hickman, Army Central Command Deputy Commanding General-Operations, presented Alfieri with a Legion of Merit award for his exceptionally meritorious service as ASG-KU's command sergeant major.

During his time at ASG-KU, Alfieri was instrumental in improving the living conditions and standards for the more than 20,000 Soldiers, civilians, and coalition partners at all three U.S. Army installations in Kuwait.

"Command Sergeant Major Alfieri is a true steward of the profession who invested heavily in the development of our noncommissioned officers. I could not have asked for a better sergeant major, he will truly be missed," said Stewart.

Hundreds of Soldiers came out to witness the ceremony and bid farewell to Alfieri.

" I have been blessed to work with some great leaders and establish many friendships here which I hope can continue on in the future," said Alfieri.

Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Erickson, former 682nd Engineer Battalion Command Sgt. Maj., will take the reigns as the interim senior enlisted advisor for ASG-KU.