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

By U.S. Army Public AffairsMarch 4, 2020

Howard resident selected as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army
Timothy A. Reisch, left, receives a CASA certificate from Ryan D. McCarthy, Secretary of the Army at an investiture ceremony in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo Credit: Sgt. James Harvey) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON -- The Honorable Ryan D. McCarthy, Secretary of the Army, appointed Timothy A. Reisch to represent South Dakota as a new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony on Feb. 24, 2020, in Arlington, Virginia.

"I am greatly honored that Tim has agreed to serve in our CASA program," McCarthy said. "Given his expansive military experience, I am confident that he will have an immediate positive impact in South Dakota. Our Army is an all-volunteer force, and now more than ever we rely on our volunteers, such as CASAs, to help build networks, foster relationships and tell the Army story to our communities."

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 to serve in this capacity," Reisch said. "The US Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve are heavily relied upon by our great nation, and provide tremendous opportunities for those willing to 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 South Dakota to do just that."

Mr. Reisch served in the Army National Guard for over 40 years, culminating his career as the adjutant general of the South Dakota National Guard. He retired in June 2019 as a major general. Reisch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration from Upper Iowa University, a Master of Science degree in Administrative Studies from the University of South Dakota and a Masters in Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.

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.