Kimbrough is one of 16 Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army who visited Hunter Army Airfield during the conference. Known as CASAs, the elite group of volunteers, are appointed by the Secretary of the Army to promote understanding between the Army and civilian communities and to present some of the issues of Army life in all 50 states to the Secretary of the Army. They serve as the Secretary of the Army's eyes and ears for the Army, the Army Reserve and for Army National Guard matters in their respective regions.
Normally, CASAs serve a two-year term but their service can be extended to 10 years or more as a senior CASA. They are civilians business and community leaders who are accustomed to speaking out on issues and influencing their peers. They are selected for the position by a review panel and the Secretary of the Army, who reviews their biography, their letter of intent and their letters of recommendation.
The Army formally recognized the program in 1922. Interaction with the Army was broad; with specific duties left to each aide's own discretion. Then, as now, aides serve without pay or compensation but are considered to be a three-star equivalent. Currently, there are more than 105 CASAs among the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Major Gen. James Rainey, commander, 3rd Infantry Division, expressed his gratitude to the group for their support to Soldiers, especially the support of Dr. Bill Cathcart, one of four CASAs who represent Georgia and lives in Savannah.
Rainey spent about an hour sharing his strategic view on national issues that are critical to the U.S. He said that three major Army initiatives include readiness, leadership development of young Soldiers and proficiency in fundamentals competencies. He answered several questions from CASA members who asked how they can help promote the quality of life for Soldiers and their Families.
After lunch, the group received a desktop brief from Lt. Col. Todd Brown, commander, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, before walking on the Hunter tarmac by Saber Hall to see military aircraft. Next, the group visited the 3rd Battalion 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment hanger to learn about the unit's mission and get an up-close view of a MH-47 Chinook and a MH-60 Black Hawk, and a demonstration of how the special operations aviators use night vision googles.
Major Rob Harless, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment executive officer, said he appreciates the advocacy that the CASAs provide on behalf of the Army.
"We are honored to showcase our assets," he said. "It is probably nice for them to actually see some of our assets and give context to what they do as CASAs.
The tour also included a visit to a tenant unit on Hunter, the U.S. Coast Guard, Air Station Savannah, to see an MH-65D Dolphin helicopters used for rescues, and the new Savannah VA Clinic, positioned just outside Rio Gate.
"This has been very informative," said Bill Harpel, an East Tennessee CASA. "I had no idea of the diversity here. It's also been nice to talk with individuals to get their perspectives. When we get the opportunity to see our duties through a different colored lens, it gives us a greater grasp of what we do."
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