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Madison resident selected as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army

By U.S. Army Public AffairsMarch 4, 2020

Madison resident selected as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army
Mr. Augustus "Leon" Collins receives a CASA certificate from Ms. Kathleen Miller, Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army at an investiture ceremony in Arlington, Virginia. From left to right, Mr. Collins, his wife Debra Collins and Ms. Miller. (Photo Credit: Spc. Zachery Perkins) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON -- The Honorable Ryan D. McCarthy, Secretary of the Army, appointed Augustus "Leon" Collins as a new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony on Feb. 26, 2020, in Arlington, Virginia.

Collins, who will represent Mississippi, was sworn in by Ms. Kathleen S. Miller, the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army.

"We are very fortunate to add to our Army team a CASA with an extensive background in the military and in the business and public sector," Miller said. "I have no doubt that Mr. Collins will do great things for our Army family."

CASAs serve a vital role for the Army by 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 to provide vital links 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.

"I am extremely grateful and humbled to have been selected by the secretary for this position," Collins said. "The US Army is a tremendous institution that provides opportunities for all who have served, those serving and those who will serve. This position provides a platform to tell the Army story from my personal and professional perspective. I look forward to engaging with the leadership and people of Mississippi to do just that, tell the Army story."

Mr. Collins served in the U.S. Army for over 35 years, culminating his career as the adjutant general of the Mississippi National Guard. He held leadership and staff positions at every level, and commanded at the company, battalion, regiment, brigade and the joint forces headquarters levels. He served during peacetime and commanded the 155th Separate Armored Brigade during combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He currently serves as the chief executive officer for MINACT, Inc., a job-training, development and management company.

CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of 10 years of service. The secretary may also recognize a civilian aide as a CASA Emeritus after 10 years of service with distinguished service.