WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth swore in Robert “Bob” Fitton from Jackson, Wyoming; Richard “Dick” Burch from Lincoln, Nebraska; Aaron Reisinger from Puyallup, Washington; Terrie Suica-Reed from Georgetown, Pennsylvania; and John J. Driscoll from Springfield, Massachusetts, as Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony at the Pentagon on Sept. 10, 2024.
“The strength of the Army has always been our people, and CASAs are one of the crucial connections that we maintain with the citizens who support our people, the families that have their sons and daughters in uniform, and the talented young people who will be the soldiers of the future,” said Wormuth. “I have no doubt that these five CASAs will do incredible work building and maintaining those relationships. From the work that they have already done and the investments they have already made in their communities, I know that they are the right people to carry the Army's message.”
Fitton had a distinguished career in the Army, retiring as a colonel after more than 30 years of service. He also held executive management positions with several consulting companies. He recently served as the Army Reserve ambassador for Wyoming, where he actively nominated future U.S. Army Reserve officers under the Minuteman Scholarship Program and raised awareness of recruiting and accession enhancement efforts. His experience as a former recruiting commander in the original "Be All You Can Be" campaign prepared him to tell the Army's story to today's youth, parents and employers. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy with a bachelor’s in engineering, he furthered his academic pursuits with a master's degree in education from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Additionally, he is an alumnus of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (now the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy) at the National Defense University.
“I am honored to be selected by Secretary Wormuth to serve in this role and to continue advancing and strengthening relationships between the Army and communities around the Cowboy State,” said Fitton.
Burch retired from the Army and Army National Guard after nearly 38 years, with the pinnacle of his career as the command sergeant major of the Army National Guard. Burch sat on various councils and boards at the National Guard Bureau, where he influenced policy decisions that impacted Soldiers and their families worldwide. Burch furthered his academic pursuits with a bachelor’s degree in project management at Bellevue University. In retirement, Burch remains active in organizations and is focused on serving Army families and providing employer support for the Guard and Reserve.
“I am honored to be selected by Secretary Wormuth to serve in this new role and to have the support of state and local officials and Army leadership in Nebraska as they allow me to continue to serve my state and my country,” said Burch.
Reisinger retired from the Army after 26 years of service as an engineer officer, culminating in command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy who furthered his academic pursuits with a degree in mechanical engineering and also graduated from the Airborne, Ranger and Sapper schools. He holds master’s degrees in engineering management from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, public policy management from Georgetown University, and national security studies from the Naval War College. Reisinger is the president of construction and government services at Sevan Multi-Site Solutions, leading the company’s national construction services program and builds for Fortune 500 companies throughout the United States. Reisinger served multiple combat tours, strategic assignments in the Pentagon, and command from platoon to brigade level. He received numerous awards, including the Defense Superior Service Award, the Legion of Merit and two Bronze Stars. He is focused on helping the Army connect with communities, and with recruiting and retention.
“I am honored to be selected by Secretary Wormuth to serve in this position for Western Washington,” said Reisinger. “I grew up there and returned after serving in our Army for 26 years. I am excited to continue serving our Army in my home state.”
Suica-Reed holds a doctorate in education supervision and administration from Liberty University, a master of science in education with certifications from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and a bachelor of arts in English from Franciscan University. Suica-Reed is committed to assisting our active-duty military, recruiters/recruits and the veteran population. Suica-Reed is the founder, president and CEO of two highly successful education and training non-profits, PHASE 4 America Inc. and PHASE 4 Learning Center Inc., whose missions are to serve the educational, social and future career needs of disadvantaged and at-risk populations. In 2022, she opened the Tom Reed Armed Forces Career Center in honor of her late husband. The unique center, located within the Phase 4 Learning Center, allows 1,500+ young people per year to explore careers in the military, and offers a place for active-duty service members to present and recruit future soldiers, hold meetings and host Veteran groups for various activities. As a staunch supporter of Army recruiting, she partnered with the Pittsburgh Recruiting Battalion and the Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion to allow recruiters access to students in Phase 4 and as mentors.
"Being appointed as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army is by far the highest honor of my life” said Suica-Reed. “It's an incredible opportunity to serve my community and country in this manner."
Driscoll retired from the Army after a distinguished 33-year career, culminating in his role as brigadier general and commanding 5,600 Soldiers of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He furthered his academic pursuits with a bachelor of science from Northeastern University, a master of arts from the American Military University and a master of arts in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, along with executive courses at Harvard University’s JFK School of Government and Syracuse’s Maxwell School for National Security Studies. Known for his people-centric leadership in and out of uniform, he excelled at forging enduring personal and professional relationships with Soldiers, their families, civilians, elected officials and community organizations. His commitment to helping others has allowed him to build a vast network across business, civic and community spheres. Driscoll serves as President of the Friends of the Massachusetts National Guard Museum, where he promotes the Army’s narrative and supports Soldiers and their families, and as a board member of the Central/Western MA Red Cross, where he contributes to its armed forces mission and participates on its Diversity Committee. Additionally, he shares his expertise through talks on leadership and patriotism, teaches as an adjunct professor of leadership, and provides strategic advice to various boards and companies.
“I am both humbled and honored to be selected by Secretary Wormuth to serve as her CASA in Massachusetts,” said Driscoll. “I am committed to advocating for our Soldiers, veterans and their families, and am equally dedicated to educating the public and inspiring both women and men to support and join the Army with pride.”
CASAs promote good relations between the Army and the public, advise the Secretary of the Army 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 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.
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