DETROIT — (April 17, 2018) — The newest Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army was invested during a ceremony conducted this week at the Pentagon.  

Tammy Carnrike was selected by Mark T. Esper, U.S. Secretary of the Army, to represent Michigan (South). Carnrike will be afforded a three-star protocol status in accordance with the U.S. Department of the Army Protocol Precedence List. She will be responsible for providing advice to Secretary Esper, commanders and senior leaders on public sentiments toward the Army, and will work closely with the Army and installation commanders; state adjutants general; ambassadors of the Army Reserve, Army National Guard and Army Reserve commander; Reserve Officers Training Corps region and area commanders; Army recruiting commanders; professors of military science; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Division and district engineers; and other designated personnel within the state of Michigan.

“I am honored that Secretary Esper has chosen me to serve as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Michigan (South),” Carnrike said. “In this role, I will work to highlight the tremendous range of opportunities possible for collaboration, partnerships and exchange of knowledge between Michigan communities and the U.S. Army.”

“This position will also allow me to continue, in a very visible way, to support the well-being of our service members and veterans — and to be their advocate and voice throughout Michigan. I am humbled and very grateful to take on this new role, and I look forward to helping the Army tell its story to the people of Michigan,” Carnrike added.

Maj. Gen. Clark LeMasters Jr. stated, “As the commanding general of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, I deeply appreciate the support Ms. Carnrike has provided over the years to our military and civilian employees stationed at the Detroit Arsenal. She and others in the community make it possible for us to do the work of protecting our nation.”

“Ms. Carnrike’s role as CASA Michigan will help strengthen the relationship between the Detroit Arsenal and the local community and reinforce the commitment the U.S. Army has made to Michigan. We proudly welcome Ms. Carnrike to the Army family.”

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 it serves. CASAs are usually business or civic leaders who possess a keen interest in the welfare of the Army and its communities.

A leader in Chamber of Commerce management for more than 20 years, Carnrike is chief operating officer for the Detroit Regional Chamber, a position she has held since 2006. She has served in national leadership positions, including chairman of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management Board of Trustees, and chairman of the board for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

In addition, Carnrike serves as a member of the Army-Southeast Michigan Advisory Council; is a member of the Governance Committee, Protect and Grow: A Strategic Plan for Michigan’s Defense and Homeland Security Economy; and is an alumni of the Department of Defense’s Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, where she spent five days visiting each branch of the U.S. military and learning about the readiness of the armed forces and the nation’s defense policies.

CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of 10 years of service. Civilian aides may be recognized CASA Emeritus after 10 years of distinguished service.

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