Fort Polk welcomes several distinguished visitors during the Army birthday celebration Thursday held at the Warrior Transition Unit barracks, 1778 Third St., bldg 240.

First up is Joe Hill, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA).

Hill, from Shreveport, is the managing member and owner of The Smitherman Law Firm, L.C. He is a member of the House of Delegates, Louisiana State Bar Association; American Bar Association; Louisiana Bar Association; Shreveport Bar Association and more.

Hill’s military education includes The Judge Advocate General’s School –– Basic and Advanced Course; United States Army Command and General Staff College; United States Air War College; and United States Army War College.

Hill and his spouse, Sandi, have seven children and 10 grandchildren.

CASAs, who were formally recognized in 1922, have become a vital part of the Army, promoting good relations between the Army and the public and advising the Secretary of the Army about regional issues. 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 for which they serve. CASAs are usually business or civic leaders who possess a keen interest in the welfare of the Army and their communities.

CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of 10 years of service, followed by possible appointment as a CASA Senior for six additional years. To date, more than 500 individuals have served the Army and the nation as a CASA.

Chuck Kleckley (R), speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives speaks after Hill.

Kleckley is the 67th Speaker of the Louisiana House and the first speaker from Calcasieu Parish. He is the second Republican to hold this position since Reconstruction.

A member of the House since February 16, 2005, Speaker Kleckley filled the unexpired term of Dan Flavin. He was unopposed in that election, as well as in his re-election bids in 2007 and 2011. Prior to that time, Kleckley was a member of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury for five years. In 2003, he served as its president.

During the last legislative term, Kleckley served as chairman of the House Insurance Committee. He also served on the House Executive Committee and Audit Advisory Committee. A member of the Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation, Acadiana Delegation, and the Louisiana Rural Caucus, he also serves on the board of the Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation and the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.

Kleckley and his spouse, Laurie, have three children and one grandchild.