HILO, Hawaii - On behalf of Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, commanding general, U.S. Army-Pacific (USARPAC), swore in Hawaii island native William Moore as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), recently.
Moore volunteered to serve, unpaid, to represent the island of Hawaii's communities and the Army's top leaders in the state of Hawaii.
"I'd like to thank our newest CASA for extending his personal service to our nation as he assumes the responsibilities of his position," said Mixon after the ceremony. "I will personally rely on you to provide the insight and clarity as to what is happening in this community."
CASAs are business and community leaders selected by the secretary of the Army based on their special insight in the communities where they live and serve. They serve as a liaison between the Army and the civilian community by telling the Army story to their peers in the community, while also advising top Army leaders about local community concerns.
"In order to protect our vital and national interests in the Pacific, it will require teamwork from all elements of our command. That's the reason our USARPAC motto is 'One Team,'" Mixon explained. "Certainly, our CASAs are part of that team.
"Especially in regards to Army transformation, land utilization, Soldier and family member quality of life, and most importantly, quality of service to our veterans, CASAs are a vital and valuable link between the Army and the community," Mixon said.
Moore, the second CASA for the island of Hawaii, replaces Paula Helfrich, who resigned her position in order to pursue a position in Myanmar.
"Mr. Bill Moore is no stranger to this community; we had a number of excellent candidates for this position, but he stood out most to the secretary of the Army," said Mixon.
More than 100 CASAs currently serve every U.S. state and territory. Moore is one of three CASAs representing various parts of the state of Hawaii. Two Pacific Region emeriti also represent the Pacific overall, Bill Paty and Christina Kemmer.
Paty, together with Allen Hoe, CASA Oahu-East and islands of Maui, Lanai and Kahoolawe, joined Moore for the ceremony. Also joining Moore were his wife Candace, daughter Hannah, and various representatives from the Hawaii National Guard and local community.
"I am truly honored and humbled by this responsibility. It is truly an honor," Moore said.
Moore is vice president of Kohala Ranch Development Corporation and has long been active in planning and development issues since first serving as a Hawaii county planner in 1975.
A Hilo High School graduate, Moore is also an honor's graduate of Beloit College in Wisconsin, and York University in the United Kingdom.
Moore is very active in the community. He has served on several boards and committees, including the Saddle Road Task Force, Hilo Boarding School Trust, Hawaii Island United Way Strategic Planning Committee, Hawaii Island United Way, Hilo High School Girls Soccer Boosters and the Hilo High School Girls Volleyball Boosters.
Recently, Moore was recognized by the Army as one of the nation's top community leaders, and he attended the Army War College National Security Seminar in 2007.
"Our partnership begins today," Mixon said to Moore. "I welcome you to the U.S. Army-Pacific, and the Army team. We are absolutely proud and thrilled that you have taken on these responsibilities."
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