Many of you already know and love Jean Shine, and have witnessed not only her fierce determination in beating cancer five times, but also her fierce commitment to this nation's armed forces. So it came as no surprise to me to receive the following press release. Seems the Army has noticed, too. ;-) Should you care to, you can send congratulations to Jean at jean@shineteam.com. God bless you, Jean!
Army Secretary Swears In New Civilian Aides
September 9, 2008
Secretary of the Army Pete Geren invested nine civilian aides in a ceremony held today in the Pentagon. The newest Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASAs) William J. Beaman from Helena, Montana.; Dianne White Delisi from Temple, Texas; Jean Shine from Harker Heights, Texas; Larry V. Sexton from Rolla, MO.; Gilbert W. Sanborn from Weston, Conn.; Richard M. Kleberg, III from San Antonio, Texas; Joseph J. McCann from Pacific Palisades, Calif.; Jerry M. Hunter from St. Louis, MO.; and Robert P. Varni from San Francisco, Calif., were selected by Geren to support the Army throughout their state and local communities.
CASAs were first formally recognized in 1922 and have since become a vital part of the Army. Their mission is to promote good relations between the Army and public by acting as spokespersons for and advisors to the secretary.
“It is a special burden to step up and be a CASA in a time of war,” said Geren, before administering the oath of office to the incoming aides. “I thank you for taking on such an important duty and certainly look forward to working with you to support our men and women in harm’s way.”
Civilian aides are appointed for each state, in addition to the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and American Samoa. CASAs are actively involved in their communities and are usually business or civic leaders who bring to their position an interest in the Army.
Once appointed, CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. To date, more than 500 aides have served the Army.
Retired U.S. Army Reserves colonel Beaman is also a veteran of the Vietnam Era and Operation Desert Storm. During his Army career, Beaman served in various locations including Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and Washington.
Beaman is currently the owner and president of Grizzly Capital Management, and serves on the University of Montana President’s Advisory Council, is president of the Helena Ambassadors, and a member of the Helena Rotary Club. He has also served as the president of the United Way of Lewis and ClarkCounty, St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation and University of Montana Alumni Association, among others.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army representing the great state of Montana,” said Beaman.
“I only hope that during my tenure in this position that I may somehow help those military folks that are serving in harm’s way today and thank them for their service to this great nation.”
Sharing Beaman’s sentiment, Delisi said, “It is a high honor to be recognized by the Secretary for this volunteer position. Those of us that live in defense-related communities appreciate and honor the enduring traditions and service for our country by the United States Army. To the best of my abilities, I plan to support Soldiers and their families, Texas’ vast infrastructure of Army installations, and all entities affecting and supporting the Army.”
Delisi served as a Texas legislator for the 55th District in BellCounty from 1990 until June 2008, and authored noteworthy legislation in military and economic development during her tenure, which led to her recognition as top ten legislators in Texas Monthly magazine in 2003 and 2005.
Delisi also served 10 years on the House Appropriations Committee, four of which she was appointed Vice-Chairman and a member of the budget writing conference committee. Former service as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Health, member of the Committee on Public Education and founding member of Texas Reach Out and Read are among her many community affiliations.
Shine has been a significant supporter of the U.S. military through her many military-related memberships, such as the Military Affairs Committee – Killeen Chamber of Commerce, Association of the United States Army and the Military Child Education Coalition. Shine also worked with Representative Diane Delisi to establish free tuition at state colleges and universities for wives and children of disabled Texas military members, and organized “Trees for Troops,” which sent hundreds of Christmas trees to Iraq for Soldiers, all of which helped to earn her numerous awards such as the Humanitarian Award by Star Power International for her efforts to generate support across the country for Soldiers and their families.
“The opportunity to serve as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Texas (Central) will allow me to gain the knowledge necessary to tell the Army Story throughout the greater Fort Hood area,” said Shine. “It will also give me the opportunity to gain new ideas that our communities may implement in our continuous effort to improve the quality of life for our great Soldiers and their families. I will work to ensure that the lines of communication between our military commanders and civilian leaders are always open. I will be an advocate for our Soldiers and their family members to make sure that the difficult issues caused by frequent deployments are conveyed to the Secretary of the Army and his staff. Military families are special—serving their needs is my passion. I’m fired up and ready to serve!”
Sexton is the President of Sellers-Sexton, Inc., a franchised Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Mazda dealership in St. Robert, Mo., and a former metallurgical engineer with AT&T. He serves on the State Missouri Defense and Homeland Security Council, Vice President of the Leonard Wood Institute and was appointed by the Governor to the Board of the Missouri Technology Corporation.
Serving the military community is not unfamiliar to Sexton, as he formerly served as the President of the 5th Region Association of the United States Army and Fort Leonard Wood AUSA Chapter, as well as on the AUSA Council of Trustees. Sexton has received many awards for his efforts including the Colonel Edward A. Owsley Superior Service Award and the Fort Leonard Wood AUSA Chapter’s highest Award in recognition of his dedicated service.
“It is a distinct honor to represent the Army and to help generate community support for Soldiers and their families,” said Sexton of his selection as Missouri (Central) CASA. “This is a critical time in our nation’s history and I look forward to assisting the Army with the challenges it faces dealing with its many missions around the world.”
Sanborn is the Managing Director of Lehman Brothers, founder of Restructuring Group, which is responsible for restructuring troubled companies, and the former director of Sealy Corporation, Long John Silver’s, EyeCareCenters of America and Igloo Corporation. Sanborn volunteers in the Outreach Program at YpsilantiStateMental Hospital in Michigan, and various homeless programs in New York City, founded the Weston Supports Initiative, and was awarded the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal for his efforts in support of Soldiers.
“I view my nomination as a CASA to be a tremendous honor, but recognize that this new role is an incredible responsibility,” said Sanborn. “I know it will give me more opportunities to work with those who serve in the Army of our great nation. After personally witnessing the WorldTradeCenter attack on September 11th, I will never forget the resolve I found in myself that day… to give something back to the brave men and women who protect and defend us. As a CASA for Connecticut, I look forward to supporting Soldiers and their families in our local communities and those who are deployed, and broadening the involvement of my fellow citizens in that effort.”
Kleberg served as a Naval Aviator in the U.S. Navy from 1965-70 and continued his service in the U.S. Navy Reserves until 1978. He is the president of the family financial/investment enterprise, SFD Enterprises, director and member of the Audit and Trust Committee for Cullen/Foster Bankers, Inc. and Frost National Bank, Chairman and gift Committee Trustee of the King Ranch Family Trust and Advisory Director of Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital Foundation.
As a great contributor to his community, Kleberg holds many memberships including the World Affairs Council of San Antonio, 100 Club, Alamo Council Navy League, Association of Naval Aviation, Commemorative Air Force and Downtown Rotary.
“I am extremely proud of being selected as the CASA for Texas South, to continue serving my city, state and country,” said Kleberg. “The men and women of the Armed Services deserve the very best support and I will do my best to facilitate the process.”
McCann served in the U.S. Army as an Infantry lieutenant during the Vietnam War from 1963-64 after earning his Bachelor’s degree in Military Engineering at the United States Military Academy. Today he is an attorney and business consultant, as well as a member of The Fashion House, Inc. and Triton Distribution Systems, Inc. Board of Directors. McCann also serves as the President of the Board of Governors, West Point Society of Los Angeles, and served as a member of the Board of Trustees, Association of Graduates, United StatesMilitaryAcademy from 1971 to 2005.
“Our Country has always called on its Army in dangerous times to do its duty to serve our nation’s needs,” said McCann of his new position as the California (Central) CASA. “To be asked to serve as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, as he leads our Army in this most perilous and important Call To Duty, is the highest honor and privilege.”
Hunter is a Partner in the Labor and Employment Law Client Service Group of the International Law Firm of Bryan Cave LLP, and practices out of the firm’s St. Louis, Mo., and Washington, D.C. offices. He is a member of the American, National and Missouri Bars, as well as the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. Hunter is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the American Arbitration Association, and the Board of Directors of Boys Hope/Girls Hope, among others.
“It is an honor for me to be asked to work with the Secretary of the Army to help to provide public support for the vital role that the men and women in the United States Army play in providing for the security of the American people, both at home and abroad,” said Hunter. “The unselfish acts and sacrifices made by our soldiers in defense of the United States deserve our full support, appreciation and recognition. I am pleased that I have been asked to play a part in providing support and recognition to the outstanding men and women who make up the United States Army.”
For more information, contact Ms. Judy Smith at 703-697-2639 for CASA-related matters or LTC David Patterson at 703-614-2459 for Public Affairs matters.
