New Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army invested

By Ms. Kelly Ann Dewitt (AMC)July 18, 2013

New CASA, Joe Fitzgerald, invested
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- (July 18, 2013) -- The newest Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) was invested during a ceremony conducted here today.

Joe Fitzgerald was selected by Secretary of the Army John McHugh to represent Northern Alabama. Gen. Dennis L. Via, commander, Army Materiel Command, conducted the ceremony during a luncheon kicking off the greater Madison County's Armed Forces Celebration Week at Huntsville's Von Braun Center.

"The CASA promotes good relations between the Army and the public, disseminates information and advises the Secretary and Army leaders on public sentiment ," said Fitzgerald. "There's a wonderful tradition of support for the military in Alabama, and being the CASA allows me to support Soldiers and the Army they serve.

"I know Secretary McHugh sends his sincere congratulations and he, the Chief of Staff and the senior leaders will be well served by your knowledge, experience and leadership," said Via.

CASAs, who were formally recognized in 1922, have become a vital part of the service, promoting good relations between the Army and the public and advising the Secretary of the Army about regional issues.

Each state, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories have one or more CASAs appointed to provide a vital link between the Army and the communities for which they serve. CASAs are usually business or civic leaders who possess a keen interest in the welfare of the Army and their communities.

Fitzgerald was born in Owensboro, Ky. He graduated from Huntsville High School, and received degrees from both the University of Alabama at Huntsville and Alabama A&M University.

Fitzgerald has been a civic and community leader for nearly four decades.

In 2006, he founded Honor Flight - Tennessee Valley, an organization that transports World War II and terminally-ill veterans to their memorials in Washington, D.C. Thousands of volunteers, guardians, family members and supporters participate, flying more than 1,300 veterans to and from their memorials.

He also founded "Honor Flags," a program that accompanied each Honor Flight. This program transported the burial flags of WWII veterans who died before seeing their memorial for a ceremony at the WWII memorial to recognize and honor their service.

CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of 10 years of service, followed by possible appointment as a CASA Senior for up to 10 additional years. The Secretary may recognize a Civilian Aide as a CASA Emeritus after 20 years of service. To date, more than 500 individuals have served the Army and the nation as a CASA.