Retired major general from South Dakota sworn in as civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army

WASHINGTON – A retired United States Army major general from South Dakota, who served as acting Director of the Army National Guard, now has a new role with the U.S. Army.

Raymond Carpenter was appointed as a new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) during an investiture ceremony on November 16 at the Pentagon.

The Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth, swore in Carpenter as a CASA for South Dakota. Nine new CASAs, representing communities across the U.S. and its territories, were appointed during the ceremony.

“I am honored to have been selected by the Secretary of the Army to serve as a CASA,” said Carpenter. “This new role for me in these uncertain times will have its challenges, but I am confident with my military background, I can properly represent the Secretary and the Army across the communities of South Dakota.”

Carpenter is a Vietnam veteran who served over 44 years in uniform. His last assignment before he retired was the acting director of the Army National Guard. Carpenter currently serves as a senior fellow for the Association of the United States Army, which promotes education about Army matters and support for the Army.

“Ray, you had an esteemed military career, serving with distinction,” said Wormuth. “Thank you for continuing your service representing South Dakota.”

According to a release from the Army, 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 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.

“You are ambassadors of the Army, but, moreover, you are sensors to tell us what is resonating in your communities and what is not,” said Wormuth during the ceremony.

CASAs are usually business or civic leaders with an interest in the welfare of the Army and their communities.