WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 12, 2017) -- The Secretary of the Army appointed new Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) during a Dec. 11 investiture ceremony at the Pentagon.
The Honorable (Dr.) Mark T. Esper appointed Joseph M. DePinto, who will represent Texas (North), and Richard M. Jackson, who will represent New Mexico.
"It is my distinct privilege to invest Joseph and Richard into the CASA program," Esper said. "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. I have full confidence each will positively impact their respective states and the CASA Program."
"I'm extremely honored to be selected as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and humbled to once again work alongside the great men and women of the Army," DePinto said. "I look forward to serving and assisting the Secretary in reaching out to the public and advocating appropriately in any way to help make a difference for our Army."
"After a 25-year career in the United States Army and a second career as a business owner, it's a real privilege and a pleasure to serve Secretary Esper as his Civilian Aide for the great state of New Mexico," Jackson said. "As a retired soldier and current businessman, I look forward to working with each community and the state to assist in the growth and wellbeing of our war fighters, families, and veterans. Making a positive difference will always be a priority."
DePinto served with distinction as a 2nd Armored Division officer upon graduation from West Point in 1986. Following active duty, he continued supporting and serving the military, such as serving as council member, George W. Bush Presidential Center Military Service Initiative, and as director, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund. For the past 12 years, DePinto has been CEO of 7-Eleven, Inc., and has made hiring veterans and supporting military families a priority and major philanthropic focus for the company. He and his wife, Ingrid, have four sons and their eldest son, John, served as a 1st Calvary Division officer.
Jackson served more than 25 years as a dedicated professional soldier. After retirement, he built a successful multi-million dollar business, American Document Services, which manages records for professional businesses, provides document scanning, and performs document destruction. He was selected as New Mexico Small Business Person of the Year in 2015, ranking sixth in the nation. He is the 2017 chairman of the board for the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce; a board member for TRESCO, a nonprofit assisting the handicap. He is also a board member with Jardine, a nonprofit which assists homeless children; Big Brothers and Big Sisters; and Boys and Girls Club of America. Rick took an 18-month break from community service and his business to serve in Iraq, Green Zone, from March 2007 to August 2008, where he worked with the Department of State in support of our soldiers.
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.
CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of 10 years. The secretary may recognize a civilian aide as a CASA Emeritus after 10 years of service with distinguished service.
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