Former Sen. Virdin C. Brown has served the Virgin Islands in one way or another since moving to St. John as a teenager, and he’s still doing it as the newest civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army.
Brown was formally sworn in by Secretary of the Army John McHugh on July 20 at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. along with five others, representing Guam, Alaska, West Virginia, California and Wisconsin.
“It’s just another level of public service to the territory, where I will provide advisory information to the secretary of the Army,” Brown said.
CASAs were formally recognized in 1922 as a vital link between the civilian and Army communities. Each aide serves two-year terms without compensation, promoting good relations between the Army and the community. Each state, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories have one or more CASAs appointed as advisors to the secretary of the Army, chief of staff, and commanders at all levels on public sentiments toward the Army. In Brown’s case, he will most likely serve as a liaison between the V.I. Army National Guard and the public.
Additionally, CASAs explain and interpret Army programs, positions, and problems through personal contact and correspondence and to the general public through appearances and speeches.
Brown said he is grateful to be able to serve as an aide, and said that he hopes his time in the position will benefit members of the Army. He is no stranger to public service, he added, having dedicated almost 40 years of life to the V.I.
He was born in Florida but moved to St. John as a teenager. Soon thereafter he became a scoutmaster on St. Thomas. After receiving his bachelor’s of science degree from Florida A&M University he began serving the community as a teacher, and soon found himself a senator in the V.I. Legislature after helping found the Independent Citizens Movement. He served seven terms, from 1971 to 1975 and from 1983 to 1993.
Brown also was commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs, and assistant commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. In 1976, he chaired the Caribbean Fishery Management Council, and after retiring in 1999 was appointed a year later by the U.S. secretary of Commerce to serve as a civilian on the CFMC, which he did for nine years.
He is also a member of the National Parks and Conservation Association and served six years on its board of trustees, as well as a member of the Caribbean Conservation Association and is involved with the Disabled American Veterans.
“Public service is in my blood. I’ve always been oriented to helping my fellow man in whatever ways I could. When there is a chance to serve, if it’s reasonable, then I serve,” Brown said.
After retiring from government service, Brown moved to St. Croix, where he hasn’t rested much. He figures that as long as he stays fit and active, he will be able to serve the public.
“I look forward to the [CASA] position. It’s a chance to serve the community in a new way,” he said.
