FORT STEWART, Ga. – Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Reffeor relinquished responsibility as the senior enlisted leader of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 18, 2025. A relinquishment of responsibility carries notable importance, stemming from traditions practiced since the birth of the United States Army. The ceremony demonstrated a vast lineage of 3rd ID history, reminding the formation what it means to be a Dogface Soldier.
Reffeor is no stranger to Southeast Georgia, having deployed multiple times with the Marne Division to parts of Iraq and Afghanistan. Most recently, Command Sgt. Maj. Reffeor deployed with the division to Europe to further promote interoperability with NATO allies along with the deterrence of Russian aggression.
During his time at the 3rd ID, Command Sgt. Maj. Reffeor has accomplished numerous feats as the senior enlisted leader. While overseeing training with a focus on discipline, lethality, and mission readiness, he also ensured Soldiers and their families were treated with dignity as well as respect. Food security and overall home stability was a high priority to Reffeor, authorizing leader home visits and ensuring Soldiers had the proper access to food. This concept ensured Soldiers and their families had an adequate amount of household necessities, such as food, water, hygiene products, and other miscellaneous items of importance.
As the senior enlisted leader, Reffeor accelerated modernization efforts, paving the way for the Marne Division to become the most modern and lethal division in the Army . He developed School of the Marne, a program focused on rehabilitating Soldiers facing disciplinary or performance challenges, offering them a structured path to redemption and continued service. Reffeor also oversaw the implementation of Spouses Orientation, which focuses on acclimating Army spouses to Army life. While Reffeor did implement much of these newer concepts into the 3rd ID, he recognized that he could not have done it without the confidence and support from those within his formation.
“You all are the backbone of this great division,” said Reffeor. “It has been a great honor serving as your Command Sergeant Major for the past 28 months. These words have never been my style, but I will leave you with this. You are the reason I love us. Keep charging forward, and keep believing!”
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, the Commanding General of the 3rd ID, was in attendance for the ceremony. He applauded Reffeor for his relentlessness and dedication toward the overall benefit of the Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield communities.
“There are the daily accomplishments, the ways that you have inspired us, and the way you encourage us to be better versions of ourselves,” said Norrie. “You look at things the way they are. You challenge all of us to evolve and get better for both the nation and our Army. You have been an incredible battle buddy. I am so grateful for your friendship, leadership, patience, vision, and inspiration.”
As Marne Seven (Reffeor) signed off the net for the final time, he was overwhelmed with the generosity, respect, and support from the 3rd Infantry Division. Known for his charisma and direct leadership style, it was evident that his mission was to ensure family and soldiers were priority amongst leadership.
“This patch on my shoulder means something. It means standing in front of the fight when it is easier to walk away,” said Reffeor. “History has proven over and over again that if you want to ensure victory in any battle, follow a Dogface Soldier.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Reffeor will transition to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where he will serve as the I Corps Command Sergeant Major. I Corps is a prevalent force in the western United States, known for projecting combat-capable forces across the Indo-Pacific region.
The relinquishment of responsibility was not only recognized as a passage of authority, but a reaffirmation of the standards, traditions, and warrior ethos that make up the embodiment of the 3rd Infantry Division today. The legacy of Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Reffeor stands tall - a legacy that demonstrates what it takes to be a Dogface Soldier.
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