Secretary of the Army Dr. Francis Harvey invested five civilian aides in a ceremony held today in the Pentagon. The newest Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASAs) Linda Green, from Callawassie Island, S.C.; Donald McLeese, from Columbia, S.C.; Robert Echols, from Nashville, TN; James Cozine, from Boise, Idaho; and Joseph DeFrancisco, from Springfield, Va., were selected by Harvey to support the Army throughout their state and local communities.
CASAs were first formally recognized in 1922 and have since become a vital part of the Army. Their mission is to promote good relations between the Army and public by acting as spokespersons for and advisors to the secretary.
"(CASAs) bring to Americans the understanding of the values of the Army, the sacrifices that Soldiers and their families make, and connect the Department of the Army with communities," said Harvey, before he administered the oath of office to the incoming aides.
Civilian aides are appointed for each state, in addition to the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and American Samoa. CASAs are actively involved in their communities and are usually business or civic leaders who bring to their position an interest in the Army.
Once appointed, CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. To date, more than 500 aides have served the Army.
Green currently serves as the Public Affairs Manager for the EMBARQ Corporation and a member of its Community Relations Team. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Beaufort County, Child Abuse Prevention Association, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Hilton Head, Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Beaufort and AUSA. Green earned her high school diploma at Edward Douglas White Catholic High School, and attended Nicholls State University.
"I am honored to be given the opportunity by Secretary Harvey to continue to serve the exceptional men and women who make up the United States Army," said Green. "Soldiers and their families have been a top priority for me for more than thirty years, both professionally and personally. I am fortunate to be able to bring with me a unique perspective to my appointment as Civilian Aide, having served in local, state and national AUSA (Association of the United States Army) leadership positions and having supported my husband's efforts when he was Civilian Aide."
McLeese, a former member of the United States Senate Staff from 1966-1970, serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Southern Business Leadership Group, Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and AUSA. McLeese also serves on the Advisory Board at Allen University and the Board of Visitors at Anderson University, where he earned his Associate of Arts. His Bachelor of Arts was earned from the University of South Carolina.
"Having the opportunity to serve as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army means that professionally I will have an even greater platform which to tout the economic impact of the military in our region and the entire state," said McLeese. "Personally it will be rewarding to be of assistance to the brave men and women who serve and their families."
Echols served for 35 years in the U.S. Army National Guard, reaching the rank of brigadier general. He currently is a United States District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee and served as Chief Judge from 1998 to 2005. He is a member of the Judicial Branch Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States and a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Federal Judges' Association. He also is a member of the American, Tennessee, and Nashville Bar Associations.
"It is an honor to serve the Secretary of the Army as a Civilian Aide," said Echols. "I look forward to discussions with the Secretary on a number of issues of importance to the Army. This is a great opportunity for me to stay in touch with the Army and to continue to serve my country in an advisory role."
Echols has served on the Board of Directors for the American Trust Savings Bank, Investors Savings and Loan Association, Robertson County Memorial Gardens, Inc., Family and Children Service, Matthew Walker Community Health Center, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, McNeilly Day Home, Brentwood Academy, and Ensworth School. He also has served on the University of Tennessee Athletics Board and currently serves on the Dean's Circle at the University of Tennessee College of Law. Echols is a graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis and the University of Tennessee College of Law.
Cozine is the President and Founder of AmeriStar Business Consulting, LLC, in Boise, Idaho. He served in the U.S. Army for 40 years, both Active Duty and Reserves, to include a tour in the Vietnam War as an Attack Helicopter Pilot. Cozine also served the Idaho Army National Guard as a Federal Civil Service Military Technician for over 30 years.
"I am honored to have been selected by Secretary Harvey to serve as his Civilian Aide," said Cozine. "Our Army team of Active and Reserve Component Soldiers and their families are serving with distinction and deserve the nation's very best effort in support of their needs. This appointment will afford me the opportunity to serve both the Secretary of the Army and our great Army team."
Cozine is a member of the National Guard Association of the United States, Employer Support to Guard and Reserve Committee, United States War Army College Alumni Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, Idaho National Guard Officers Association, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, Idaho Military Historical Society, Boise State University Alumni Association and the Vice Chairman Administrative Board of the First United Methodist Church. He is a graduate of Boise State University, U.S. Army War College, National and International Security Affairs Program for Senior Executives and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
DeFrancisco, a resident of Springfield, Va., served in the U.S. Army for more than 33 years. He is the President of the West Point Society of the District of Columbia and National Capital Region, member and former president of the AUSA George Washington Chapter, and former co-chairman of the National Defense Industrial Association. DeFrancisco is also a member of the Army Air Force Mutual Aid Association Board of Directors, a Senior Executive Associate for the Aviation Association of America and the U.S.-Korean Defense Consultative Committee. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Military Academy, Rice University and the Army War College.
"Being named a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army is for me both a privilege and a pleasure," said DeFrancisco. "It allows me to maintain close ties with our great Army and in some way, however small, to help the Soldiers and civilians who volunteer to serve that Army and our Nation. I am grateful to Secretary Harvey for giving me the opportunity to work beside some of the finest men and women in America."
For information about the CASA Program, contact: Ms. Judy Smith for CASA related matters at 703-697-2639 or Maj. Amy Hannah for PAO matters at 703-614-2459.
-30-
Social Sharing