A-State professor appointed as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army

Washington, D.C. – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Dec. 4, 2024 – An Arkansas State University professor was named as one of five new Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASAs).

Edward Salo, an A-State history professor, was sworn in Tuesday at the Pentagon by Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth.

The other four appointees were Lester Lumbad from Las Vegas; Rich Morales from East Greenwich, RI; Lance O’Bryan from Fort Knox, KY and Frank Vitale from Morgantown, WV.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to work with the greatest Army in the world, its soldiers and its veterans,” Salo said. “In my years working with the Army, I have witnessed the professionalism and dedication soldiers have in fulfilling the mission of protecting the nation, as well as preserving its history. I have the opportunity to shape the future leaders of the Army and to remind them that the Army is not just about battles but has been in the vanguard of exploration, engineering and medical breakthroughs, as well as other changes in the nation. I am honored and ready to get to work.”

In a U.S. Army press release, Wormuth said it was an honor to have these new CASAs representing the Army.

“Our CASAs are instrumental in building and maintaining relationships between the Army and communities across the country,” Wormuth said. “The work they do is critically important, especially in our efforts to spread the Army story and recruit the next generation of soldiers.”

In addition to being a professor, Salo also serves as the History Department assistant chair and associate director of the doctorate program of heritage studies.

Salo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history and political science from East Tennessee State University, a master of arts degree in history, and a doctorate in public history from Middle Tennessee State University.

In addition to his teaching, Salo has been active in the defense and national security debate. He co-hosts the “Sea Control Podcast” from the Center for International Maritime Security, is a member of New America’s Nuclear Security Futures Group, and is a former research fellow for both the Modern War Institute at West Point and the Joint Special Operations University.

CASAs build 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.