New civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army invested

Photo By Bernardo Fuller | Secretary of the Army John McHugh administers the oath of office to Thomas Kershaw, who became a civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army for Massachusetts during a ceremony at the Pentagon, April 16, 2012. CASAs are usually business or civic leaders who possess a keen interest in the welfare of the Army and their communities, serving a two-year term without compensation.  

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

04.16.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Bernardo Fuller 

Secretary of the Army

By Laura L. DeFrancisco

WASHINGTON - The newest civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army was invested during a ceremony conducted today at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Thomas Kershaw was selected by Secretary of the Army John McHugh to represent the commonwealth of Massachusetts.

"I look forward to serving the military men and women of Massachusetts and their families as their civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army," said Kershaw.

CASAs, who were formally recognized in 1922, have become a vital part of the Army, promoting good relations between the Army and the public and advising the secretary about regional issues.

“I deeply appreciate your willingness to serve as a CASA and I thank you for your support of our Army,” said McHugh, after he administered the oath of office to Kershaw.

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.

Kershaw attended Swarthmore College, located in Swarthmore, Pa., and studied Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation he moved to the Boston area and attended the Harvard Business School, graduating with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He is the owner of Hampshire House Corporation, located in Boston.

CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of 10 years of service, followed by possible appointment as a CASA Senior for six additional years. The Secretary may recognize a civilian aide as a CASA Emeritus after 16 years of service. To date, more than 500 individuals have served the Army and the nation as a CASA.

For more information about CASA-related matters, please contact Laura DeFrancisco, [e-mail], 703-697-2639. For public affairs assistance, please contact Lt. Col. Anne Edgecomb, [e-mail], 703-697-3491.

• Date Taken: 04.16.2012
• Date Posted: 04.17.2012 13:33
• Story ID: 86880
• Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US
• Hometown: BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, US