Secretary of the Army appoints three new civilian aides

By Heather J. Hagan, U.S. Army Public AffairsMay 26, 2022

The U.S. Army appointed three new Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony on May 24, 2022, at the Pentagon, as Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth swore in Carol Eggert from central Pennsylvania, Daryl A. Keithley from Las Vegas and D. Michael Kopp from Colorado.
The U.S. Army appointed three new Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony on May 24, 2022, at the Pentagon, as Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth swore in Carol Eggert from central Pennsylvania, Daryl A. Keithley from Las Vegas and D. Michael Kopp from Colorado.

(Photo Credit: Photo by Staff Sgt. Dontavian Harrison, U.S. Army Public Affairs)
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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army appointed three new Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony on May 24, 2022, at the Pentagon, as Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth swore in Carol Eggert from central Pennsylvania, Daryl A. Keithley from Las Vegas and D. Michael Kopp from Colorado.

“It’s an honor to welcome our three newest CASAs back to the Army team,” said Wormuth. “They served with distinction in uniform, and now as CASAs, they will be great advocates for the Army in their local communities. I have asked them to help share the Army story to help young people see how the Army can give them a sense of purpose and provide a fulfilling career.”

Eggert, a combat veteran who received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, retired as a brigadier general after serving over 30 years in the regular Army, the National Guard and the Army Reserve. She is the senior vice president of military and veteran affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal where she leads initiatives to create an empowering workplace for military-connected employees and meet the needs of military customers and community partners. Eggert often speaks to industry leaders about the value that veterans, service members and military spouses bring to organizations.

"It’s an incredible honor to be selected by Secretary Wormuth to serve as the civilian aide for Central Pennsylvania,” said Eggert. “My life’s work has involved connecting the American people to the military that secures our national security and democratic way of life. This role creates more opportunities to build the awareness and understanding that contributes to a strong all-volunteer force.”

Keithley, a veteran with 34 years in the regular Army and National Guard, retired as a command sergeant major. As a recruiter with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, he assists military personnel as they transition to civilian careers by sharing his experience of serving in the National Guard. He also instructs police officers to provide them with the necessary skills to respond to calls involving military personnel who experience PTSD and other traumas.

”I am very honored to be selected by Secretary Wormuth to serve as Nevada’s Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army,” he said. “I have a strong passion for taking care of Soldiers and helping them become integrated into the Army that I have been affiliated with for 34 years. It is an extreme honor to continue to serve the United States Army and the nation in this capacity.”

Kopp, who served in the regular Army and the South Dakota National Guard, was a sergeant at the end of his service. He is the president and CEO of Colorado Concern, an alliance of top business executives working to enhance the Centennial state's business climate. Kopp's career began as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. In Ranger School, he seized upon and never let go of the Ranger Creed line, "Surrender is not a Ranger word." That phrase has shaped his service in the Army as well as his public service. Kopp currently serves on numerous non-profit boards in his community.

“Serving the mission of the United States Army was a life-changing event like no other for me,” he said. “To be honored with this opportunity to serve as a CASA is a remarkable privilege. The Army gave me a world-class example of the attributes of leadership, patriotism, sacrifice, duty, grit, determination and teamwork.”

CASAs promote good relations between the Army and the public, advise the secretary about regional issues, support the total Army workforce, and assist with recruiting and helping our Soldiers as they transition out of the military.

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 they serve. CASAs are usually business or civic leaders who possess a keen interest in the welfare of the Army and their communities.