WASHINGTON (September 25, 2017) -- The newest Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) was invested during a ceremony conducted today at the Pentagon.

Mr. Kevin A. Shwedo was selected by the Acting Secretary of the Army, Ryan McCarthy to represent South Carolina.

"I am deeply humbled and honored to continue my service as a result of this appointment." Shwedo said. "This is a magnificent opportunity to expand my ability to engage and support our military and civilian communities throughout the great state of South Carolina."

CASAs are a vital part of the Army, promoting good relations between the Army and the public and advising the Secretary about regional issues.

"It is my distinct privilege to invest Kevin into the CASA program. CASAs are a vital connection to communities across the country and help the Army convey the hard work being done to ensure America's Army remains the most dominant land force in the world," said McCarthy. "As a retired Army Officer with 32 years of honorable service, I have full confidence that on behalf of this office, Kevin will positively impact South Carolina and the CASA Program."

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.

Mr. Shwedo culminated 32 years of military service as the Deputy Commanding Officer of Fort Jackson. Upon his retirement in February of 2011, Kevin Shwedo was appointed to the Governor's Cabinet by Governor Nikki Haley and confirmed to lead the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles by the South Carolina Senate. Based upon the severe flooding in early October of 2015, the Governor directed that he temporarily step aside from his DMV responsibilities and lead the State's Disaster Recovery efforts and synchronize Federal, State and Local resources. Shwedo returned to his role as the Executive Director of the SC DMV under the leadership of Governor Henry McMaster.

Mr. Shwedo is very active in 33 Committees and Boards that assist organizations around the state that either support the military and their family members or serve to provide oversight to charitable organizations supporting some of the more vulnerable citizens in the state.

Kevin Shwedo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the United States Army War College. His awards include the Order of the Palmetto (the State's highest civilian honor), Distinguished Service Medal and Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), and Ryan.

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 service with distinguished service.

For more information about the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army program, please call 703-

Mr. Shwedo and his wife Beth reside in Columbia, South Carolina. They have two children, Cameron 545-0631.