Lieutenant General Robert Caslen, Jr., U.S. Army (Ret.), Named Honorary Spokesman for UNICO National

FAIRFIELD, N.J., October 17, 2023 (Newswire.com) - UNICO National President Cav. Ralph Contini announced retired Army Lieutenant General Bob Caslen as Honorary Spokesman for UNICO National’s Military & Veteran Affairs. General Caslen was recently installed as a UNICO Member by President Contini at a ceremony held on the West Point football field. “General Caslen is a highly recognizable, decorated military leader, who served our nation with honor and distinction. UNICO National is especially pleased to have him join us as an Honorary Spokesman supporting our mission,” Contini stated. 

Earlier this year, General Caslen was recognized by UNICO National for his distinguished military service to the nation. He received the prestigious Anthony Fornelli American War Veteran Award during the UNICO National 100th Annual Convention & Italian American Awards Gala in Fort Myers, Florida. The gala was hosted by ESPN National Correspondent Sal Paolantonio, who also serves as an Honorary Spokesman for UNICO National’s membership and fundraising. 

General Caslen is a veteran, who honorably served the United States military for 43 years. His military career culminated in 2018 as the 59th Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Under his direction as Superintendent, the Academy was recognized as the number one ranked public college in the Nation by Forbes Magazine and the number one ranked public college by U.S. News and World Report. Prior, General Caslen served as the chief of the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq, where he served as the senior military commander in Iraq after the drawdown of U.S. and allied forces in 2011.

UNICO National, a nonprofit, is the largest Italian American Service Organization in the United States. Founded on the principle of “Service Above Self,” UNICO supports communities and charities through its chapters across the country. Founded in 1922, every year UNICO provides scholarships and charitable assistance totaling over one million dollars. UNICO supports valuable programs, including those addressing mental health wellness, cancer research and prevention, food banks, shelters, and other local community needs. 

Each year, UNICO National hosts the Italian American Awards Gala to recognize the valuable contributions and achievements of Italian Americans to the nation. Recent honorees include Anthony Capuano, President & CEO, Marriott International, James Pitaro, ESPN Chairman, and Joe Moglia, former Chairman & CEO, TD Ameritrade. Past honorees include Mario Andretti, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Joe Torre, Geno Auriemma, John Calipari, General Tom Cosentino, General Anthony Zinni, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Dr. Robert Gallo, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Domenico Praticò, and others who have excelled in their respective field.

The UNICO National 101st Annual Convention & Gala will be held July 31, 2024, in Princeton, New Jersey, honoring Ralph LaRossa, President & CEO, Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), with media personality Erin Como of Fox 5 DC television serving as host.