WASHINGTON (January 25, 2016) -- The newest civilian aide to the secretary of the Army (CASA) was invested during a ceremony conducted earlier this month at the Pentagon. Mario A. Guerra was selected by former Secretary of the Army Eric K. Fanning to represent California (Greater Los Angeles).
"It is my great honor to accept this appointment as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for California," Guerra said. "To be able to serve the Army in this capacity is humbling and exciting. I am deeply committed to my community, especially the men and women who serve in uniform, and their families. My goal is to serve the American solider, our beloved Army, and our Veterans."
CASAs are a vital part of the Army, promoting good relations between the Army and the public and advising the Secretary 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.
Guerra was ordained a member of the Catholic Clergy for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2002. He attended St. John's Seminary College in Camarillo, California in the Diaconate Formation (1998-2002). He studied Theology, concentrating on the Congregation for the Clergy and the Congregation for Catholic Education.
He has also served as Mayor of the City of Downey, and as President of Independent Cities Association representing 53 Cities in the greater Los Angeles area. He currently serves on the Los Angeles Battalion Community Advisory Board and on several executive boards including the Josephson Institute of Ethics and the Living Tree Foundation serving Veterans. He is an executive with Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance. He is a published author, motivational speaker and has received several professional and humanitarian awards.
CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of 10 years of service. The secretary may recognize a civilian aide as a CASA Emeritus after 10 years of distinguished service.
For more information, contact Wayne V. Hall at 703-693-7589, or wayne.v.hall.civ@mail.mil.
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