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 Diaz was selected by former Secretary of the Army Eric K. Fanning to represent Arizona (North).

"I'm honored to represent the Secretary of the Army and the women and men who sacrifice much to keep our country safe," Diaz said. "I'll be active in telling the Army story to communities across Arizona with pride."

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.

Diaz earned a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University and a master's of Public Administration from Arizona State University. Diaz is active in his community and is associated with many memberships and affiliations to include the governing board member of the Scottsdale Soccer Club which is Arizona's largest soccer club, is a governing board member of Tesseract Private School and governing board member for the Arizona Family Health Partnership.

Arizonans recognize Diaz for his frequent appearances as a television and radio commentator on Arizona public policy issues in Spanish and English. Currently he is the President of Mario E. Diaz and Associates, a government and public relations firm located in Phoenix, Arizona.

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.