JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (June 23, 2015) -- Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, the Army surgeon general, hosted a group of Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army, or CASAs, here June 16-17 to discuss the role Army Medicine plays and how it affects the lives of Soldiers, veterans, retirees and their Families.
CASAs are business and community leaders appointed by the Secretary to advise and support Army leaders across the country. They are special government employees who agree to serve as representatives of the Secretary of the Army without salary, wages or related benefits, and are afforded a three-star protocol status.
Horoho said it was an honor to host the civilian aides and showcase Army Medicine.
"These are community leaders who have so much of a platform to be able to be a voice for our Army," the surgeon general said.
"To be able to expose them to the Medical Command, the strength of Army medicine, health readiness, our medical capabilities, and how we care for our warriors is very, very important.
They can go out and be ambassadors for our Army and Army Medicine," she explained.
CASAs disseminate information about the Army's objectives, roles, requirements and major programs to the public through speeches, personal contact and participation in Army and community events.
"I thought it was great," said Richard Kleberg, who represents South Texas. "[The Surgeon General] was able to tell all of us what her thoughts were about where Army Medicine is, and where Army Medicine is going."
The group had dinner the first day and was able to interact with Horoho and her key staff. The following day the CASAs received a briefing from the surgeon general, visited the Army Medical Department Center and School, and had lunch with Soldiers. After lunch, they toured the U.S. Army Institute for Surgical Research Burn Center; Center for the Intrepid, Brooke Army Medical Center's rehabilitation facility; and the Warrior and Family Support Center.
Kleberg said he learned more about the Army Performance Triad, and the importance of being proactive to prevent illness and disease rather than being reactive, which will help reduce the cost of caring for service members, retirees and family members in the future.
Horoho told the group she believed focusing on health through sleep, activity and nutrition would improve the overall health and wellbeing of Soldiers, family members and Americans.
"Today was a very inspiring day because the care that is being provided for our Soldiers is unparalleled," said Robert French, who presents Central Pennsylvania. "It's evident the caring, the professionalism, is giving our Soldiers who gave their best, our best. That is so important that we take care of our Soldiers."
Horoho thanked the group before they departed from the WFSC.
"Right from the very beginning there was a lot of talking and free-flowing conversation. I appreciate how much time each and every one of you has afforded us to be able to find out more about Army medicine," she said.
Allan Hoe from Hawaii expressed his appreciation, saying "I don't think there is anybody here who is an older alumnus of your organization. Forty-nine years ago I trained here as a combat medic, and I'm so proud of what you have done."
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