KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan--Sergeant Major Joseph Roberts assumed the responsibility as the senior non-commissioned officer for the Army Field Support Battalion Kandahar, 401st AFSB, in a change of responsibility ceremony at battalion headquarters Aug. 27.

The ceremony was presided over by Lt. Col. Stanley J. Sliwinski, AFSBn-KAF, 401st AFSB, commander and was attended by many senior non-commissioned officers assigned to Kandahar. During the ceremony outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Errol J. White requested permission to be relieved of responsibility and handed the non-commissioned officer's saber to Sliwinski who in turn, passed the saber to Roberts signifying his assumption of the responsibilities as senior non-commissioned officer in the battalion.

Sliwinski called White "the epitome of excellence of the noncommissioned crops." He cited White's leadership for more than 5,000 Soldiers, civilians and contractors who retrograded more than 2,700 pieces of rolling stock and 3,900 pieces of non-rolling stock in the last 12 months.

"Words simply cannot describe the man behind the wreath," said Sliwinski. "He has given his heart and soul to this command and has served his nation proudly."

Sliwinski noted that White had attended "nearly every ramp ceremony for our fallen heroes here at KAF. Not because he had to, but because he felt it was his duty to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice to our nation."

"This has been a challenging but yet a rewarding assignment, as we are a very unique unit with Soldiers, DA [Department of the Army] civilians and contractors who all play an integral part in the success of the unit's mission," White said. "It has been an honor to be part of the 401st brigade."

"Sergeant Major Roberts, you have big shoes to fill," said Sliwinski. "I am confident that you are the right man for the job. Together we will lead this unit with pride and confidence as we continue to support the Warfighter in our areas of responsibility."

Roberts thanked Sliwinski for his support and promised to continue providing the best possible support to the Warfighter.