Fort Bliss Monitor

Thomas sworn in as new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army

Virginia Reza
Monitor Staff

Tom Thomas, new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, is administered the oath of investiture by Lt. Gen. Robert T. Clark, commander for the Fifth Army.

More than 70 distinguished guests gathered to welcome Tom Thomas, incumbent Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. He took the oath of investiture as the new CASA for Texas’ west region. Thomas was administered the oath by Lt. Gen. Robert T. Clark, Fifth Army commander, who also hosted the ceremony. The event was held at the Officers’ Club March 31.

Thomas was appointed to office by the Department of Defense January 14. He will play a key role as liaison between the El Paso community and Fort Bliss. One of the CASA’s responsibilities includes communication of Army messages to the civilian community and also to provide information about the civilian community to the Army.

Clark said the Secretary of the Army personally selects his civilian aides for this longstanding program.
“[The Secretary of the Army] expects CASAs to support their local commanders, the Soldiers and their families.” Clark thanked everyone for attending the ceremony and especially Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane, Fort Bliss commanding general, for holding the event on the installation, saying, “This post is a crown jewel for the purpose of mobilization.”

Thomas is a successful businessman and has served in various significant positions in the community such as senior vice president of the Greater Chamber of Commerce, vice president of the Texas Gas Association, Texas Corporate Recycling Council, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board, Better Business Bureau and many other panels. He is also a member and co-founder of the Freedom Fiesta Planning Committee.

Thomas is also affiliated with the Association of the United States Army, the Alliance for Regional Military Support, the Southwest Defense Alliance, the El Paso Defense Industry Task Force and served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1963 to 1969.

“This is a very exciting time for El Paso,” said Thomas, mentioning the incoming 3,800 troops and how they will impact the community. “This is just the tip of the iceberg, we will get more. Fort Bliss is the place that can support many troops. We need to make El Paso one of the best places for our Soldiers to live and raise our children.”



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	April 7, 2005

	Thomas sworn in as new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Virginia Reza Monitor Staff Tom Thomas, new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, is administered the oath of investiture by Lt. Gen. Robert T. Clark, commander for the Fifth Army. More than 70 distinguished guests gathered to welcome Tom Thomas, incumbent Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. He took the oath of investiture as the new CASA for Texas’ west region. Thomas was administered the oath by Lt. Gen. Robert T. Clark, Fifth Army commander, who also hosted the ceremony. The event was held at the Officers’ Club March 31. Thomas was appointed to office by the Department of Defense January 14. He will play a key role as liaison between the El Paso community and Fort Bliss. One of the CASA’s responsibilities includes communication of Army messages to the civilian community and also to provide information about the civilian community to the Army. Clark said the Secretary of the Army personally selects his civilian aides for this longstanding program. “[The Secretary of the Army] expects CASAs to support their local commanders, the Soldiers and their families.” Clark thanked everyone for attending the ceremony and especially Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane, Fort Bliss commanding general, for holding the event on the installation, saying, “This post is a crown jewel for the purpose of mobilization.” Thomas is a successful businessman and has served in various significant positions in the community such as senior vice president of the Greater Chamber of Commerce, vice president of the Texas Gas Association, Texas Corporate Recycling Council, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board, Better Business Bureau and many other panels. He is also a member and co-founder of the Freedom Fiesta Planning Committee. Thomas is also affiliated with the Association of the United States Army, the Alliance for Regional Military Support, the Southwest Defense Alliance, the El Paso Defense Industry Task Force and served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1963 to 1969. “This is a very exciting time for El Paso,” said Thomas, mentioning the incoming 3,800 troops and how they will impact the community. “This is just the tip of the iceberg, we will get more. Fort Bliss is the place that can support many troops. We need to make El Paso one of the best places for our Soldiers to live and raise our children.”