Monday, November 4, 2019 –
The career of Area Support Group Qatar’s senior noncommissioned officer reached completion on Nov. 4, inside a morale, welfare and recreation center at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar.
Command Sgt. Maj. Cynthia Reed relinquished responsibility during a 20-minute ceremony that was packed with formal and personal tributes to her 30 months of service here.
“What I’m most proud of are the service members and civilians,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Reed during remarks to the assembly.
The ASG is under U.S. Army Central and supports forces throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility at CAS and two smaller outposts in this small Arab country on the Arabian Peninsula.
“Everything that happens on CAS flows through the ASG,” said Reed.
More than 150 people attended including military, Department of the Army civilians, and defense contractors. Several scouts from Troop 970G, a Scouts BSA organization that Reed helped to found, were also present.
As ASG-Q’s command sergeant major, she carried out policies, enforced standards, and advised the commander on all matters. In her role she is considered the “keeper of the colors” and the observance included Reed passing the ASG’s flag to the unit’s commander.
He commented on Reed’s 31-years of service after presenting her a Legion of Merit and an organizational flag.
“Whether it was as a construction equipment repairer, recruiter, first sergeant, battalion or brigade sergeant major, you have left an indelible mark on thousands upon thousands,” said Col. Steve Fabiano, ASG-Q’s commander.
Reed is returning to Oxnard, California and reuniting with her family before she retires from the Army in December.
“Thank you to the greatest Army in the world for all you’ve given me – the honor, the discipline, the pride, the love of country, toughness and dedication. I only hope that I’ve served you as well as you’ve helped me,” said Reed.
She paused to control her emotions during the closing remarks.
“Thank you for allowing me to serve with some of the greatest people I’ve ever known and thank you to the greatest country a soldier could ever serve.”
Master Sgt. Gabriel Temples, ASG-Q’s operations noncommissioned officer, will be its acting CSM until Reed’s successor arrives later this month.