121st Engineer Regiment Honors Veterans and Conducts Field Training

By CPT(MD)Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
November 14, 2011

On November 11th and 12th, the 121st Engineer Regiment of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) honored U.S. military veterans and conducted a field training exercise at the Maryland National Guard’s Lauderick Creek Training Facility in Edgewood, Maryland. Personnel from the MDDF’s Signal Corps, Chaplain Corps and 10th Medical Regiment also participated in the training activities. The training exercise provided all of the participants with an excellent opportunity sharpen military skills and practice orienteering in an operational environment.

On Friday November 11th the MDDF training exercise attendees hosted a Veterans Day dinner and ceremony in honor of America’s heroes. Ten local U.S. military veterans were the guests of honor and each gave a short autobiography of their military service. Col. (MDDF) Steven Arndt presided over the ceremony and Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF served as the keynote speaker for the evening. In his remarks, Gen. Kelm expressed his heartfelt appreciation for all that the honorees did while in uniform and for what they continue to do as patriotic citizens.

Early on November 12th, the training exercise commenced with roll call, breakfast and a two mile hike. After a short briefing on land navigation and radio communications procedures, the training mission was provided. By the end of the day, MDDF personnel had successfully set-up a field based Emergency Operaertions Center, erected a Radio Command Post and worked their way through an elaborate land navigation course. The training mission’s officer in charge, Capt. (MDDF) Jeff James commented that it was, “gratifying to see the MDDF personnel accomplish the mission objectives and execute the operation with such proficiency.” Col. (MDDF) Steven Arndt, commander of the 121st Engineers added that, “a commitment to teamwork was the backbone of the training module’s success and it is the foundation of our support to the Maryland Military Department.”

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: http://mddf.maryland.gov.

MDDF Chaplain Corps Commander Col. Thomas Carter Serves Veterans with PTSD

Click here to read more about how Military Chaplains are helping our veterans.

Maryland Defense Force 10th Medical Regiment Gets New Commander

By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
06 September 2011

On September 6, 2011 Col. (MDDF) Walter Hettinger assumed command of the Maryland Defense Force’s 10th Medical Regiment from the previous regimental commander, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Stanley Minken. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken transitioned to a new position as the Medical Advisor to the commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm.

Dr. Walter Hettinger graduated from Kenwood High School in Baltimore County prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army where he rose to the rank of staff sergeant. While serving in the U.S. Army, Col. (MDDF) Hettinger studied Russian at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey California and specialized as a voice interceptor.

Following his military service, Col. (MDDF) Hettinger attended Johns Hopkins University where he received a bachelor’s degree in biophysics and also did graduate work in the same field. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Col. (MDDF) Hettinger attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine. While he was enrolled as a medical student, Dr. Hettinger received the prestigious Maryland Family Practice Scholarship and a Bureau of Indian Affairs Scholarship. While in his senior year in medical school, he received a commission from the U.S. Public Health Service as an ensign and worked at the Quinault Indian Reservation in Taholah, Washington. As a Native American member of the Yankton Sioux tribe this important mission was of special significance to Col. (MDDF) Hettinger.

After graduation from medical school Dr. Hettinger completed a family medicine residency and an obstetrics and gynecology fellowship in family medicine. Since his residency, Dr. Hettinger has worked in emergency medicine at hospitals from Maryland’s Eastern Shore to the Baltimore region. He is currently Board Certified in emergency medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. Currently he serves as an attending physician at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson, Maryland.

While serving with the MDDF, Dr. Hettinger has coordinated various officer candidate and post deployment health assessment missions with the Maryland National Guard. In 2007 he also participated in an Air National Guard humanitarian mission to the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Col. (MDDF) Hettinger is the recipient of the Maryland Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Maryland Commendation Medal (three awards), the Maryland Defense Force Achievement Medal, the Maryland Emergency Service Medal (two awards) and the Maryland Humanitarian Service Medal.

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: www.mddf.maryland.gov.

Maryland Defense Force Mobilizes to Support State of Maryland Response to Hurricane Irene

By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
05 September 2011

As part of the State of Maryland’s preparation for the effects of Hurricane Irene, elements of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) mobilized to support the total force response of the Maryland Military Department. In total, eight MDDF units were engaged and 70 MDDF personnel contributed to the effort. These MDDF personnel accumulated 2,156 hours of service over four days and saved the State of Maryland $100,548.39.

MDDF Rapid Action Team (RAT) personnel were activated to augment the Maryland National Guard Adaptive Battle Staff at the Maryland Joint Operations Center. They served as liaison officers and provided twenty-four hour support for three positions that facilitated the coordination of relief and recovery efforts. In addition, the MDDF Operations and Training Unit established a Tactical Operations Center to manage MDDF assets in the field of operations.

Posted at the Easton Armory in order to provide direct support to Maryland residents that were in the path of the storm were personnel from the MDDF’s 121st Engineering Regiment, 10th Medical Regiment, Field Detachment Delta and Chaplain Corps. Field operations conducted by these units included structural damage assessments and tree removal to aid civilian transportation on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The overall MDDF effort was augmented by leadership from the MDDF command staff, technical support from the Information Technology and Communications Unit and the activation of MDDF assets assigned to the Maryland National Guard County Liaison Team (CoLT).

Col. (MDDF) James F. Coleman served as the Officer In Charge of the MDDF mobilization. He proudly noted that, “Our officers and enlisted personnel throughout the state showed pride and professionalism in the performance of their duties.” Capt. (MDDF) Michael Behringer, the commander of the RAT expressed that, “This gave us a great opportunity to test and refine our operational integration with other elements of the Maryland Military Department for future emergencies.” Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm simply stated, “Our motto is that we are Ready When Called. This mobilization gave us another opportunity to show that we stand behind those words.”

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: http://mddf.maryland.gov.

Maryland Defense Force’s 10th Medical Regiment Commander Promoted to Brigadier General

By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
24 August 2011

On August 24, 2011 Dr. Stanley Minken who serves as the commander of the 10th Medical Regiment of the Maryland Defense Force was promoted to Brigadier General. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken was also assigned as Medical Advisor to Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm who is the Commanding General of the Maryland Defense Force.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken is a Baltimore native who received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in microbiology from George Washington University. He then received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Maryland. After completion of a National Institutes of Health fellowship Dr. Minken was given the Upjohn Achievement Award for meritorious surgical research in 1968.

Following his medical residency Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken joined the United States Air Force Medical Corps, serving at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base before serving a tour in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, Dr. Minken provided medical care for the Vietnamese population at provincial hospitals. After returning to the United States Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken finished his U.S. Air Force service at Andrews Air Force Base. While serving in the U.S. Air Force Dr. Minken attained the rank of Major.

As a civilian physician Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken joined the St. Agnes Medical Center where he served as the Director of Surgical Education and Chairman of the Department of Surgery for several years. A comprehensive educational program he developed was adopted by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical School. He was later presented with the Distinguished Surgeons Award from the Baltimore Academy of Surgeons.

As an educator, Dr. Minken has worked as an Associate Professor in Vascular Surgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and as an adjunct faculty member at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. In 2001 he was appointed the Charles G. Rob Professor of Surgery at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University and Chief of Academic Surgery.

Currently Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken is the Chief Medical Officer at the Chester River Hospital Center which is an affiliate of the University of Maryland Medical System. Dr. Minken has frequently deployed overseas as a combat surgical consultant in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He most recently participated in a Pacific Command exercise involving combat blast injuries.


As commander of the 10th Medical Regiment of the Maryland Defense Force, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken oversees a large contingent of medical professionals who volunteer to support the missions of the Maryland Military Department. He has also presented over 40 technical presentations and has several publications in medical texts.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm noted at the promotion ceremony that he is “thankful to have such an accomplished and distinguished medical professional as the Medical Advisor on this new team.”

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: http://mddf.maryland.gov.

Maryland Defense Force Supports Veterans with Operation Stand Down

By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
25 September 2011

On September 24, 2011 the Maryland Defense Force’s (MDDF) 10th Medical Regiment participated in Operation Stand Down which provided food, medical assistance and necessary medical referrals to VA services for over 200 homeless veterans. This event was held at the Baltimore War Memorial Plaza across from City Hall in downtown Baltimore. It was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the State of Maryland and The Way Station, Inc. Several organizations besides the MDDF provided assistance and a myriad of support services.

As the operation commenced, the homeless veterans stood in company formation alongside the Maryland Defense Force personnel for the posting of the colors. The colors were presented by a Color Guard unit from the Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG). The Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG) was also present and provided personnel and three mobile support units to provide mental health services for the veterans in support of the operation.

The MDDF’s 10th Medical Regiment provided medical screenings, conducted health assessments and facilitated referrals for follow-up care. The 10th Medical Regiment is comprised of volunteer physicians, nurses, social workers and emergency medical professionals from across the state of Maryland. During Operation Stand Down, the MDDF provided free medical screening services for 55 homeless veterans.

The MDDF’s 10th Medical Regiment was also supported by the MDDF Operations and Training Unit as well as the MDDF Field Detachment Delta. Other organizational participants included personnel from the University of Maryland Medical Center, the U.S. Army Reserve and Army ROTC Cadets from Towson University and Loyola University Maryland. The operation also included an “army” of volunteers and veterans from every branch of the U.S. Armed Services and the local community.

Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown participated in the opening ceremony and thanked the Maryland Defense Force for supporting the veterans. Lieutenant Governor Brown said, “I want to give special thanks to the Maryland Defense Force for playing such a vital role in the success of today’s mission.” “Your commitment and dedication to our nation’s heroes is truly commendable,” he concluded.

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: http://mddf.maryland.gov/.

Maryland Defense Force’s Outgoing Commander Promoted to Major General

By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
2 August 2011

On August 2, 2011 Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Courtney B. Wilson, the outgoing commander of the Maryland Defense Force was promoted to Major General in a surprise announcement from Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins, the adjutant general of Maryland. Maj. Gen. (MDDF) Wilson’s promotion occurred during the change of command ceremony that brought in Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm as the new commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force.

Maj. Gen. (MDDF) Wilson was recognized by Maj. Gen. Adkins for his distinguished military career and for his many contributions to the State of Maryland. Maj. Gen. (MDDF) Wilson’s military career began with service in the U.S. Army, doing a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1971. Assigned to an infantry reconnaissance platoon, he was heavily engaged in the border regions in and around the Da Nang Vital Area and the Quang Nam region. Maj. Gen. (MDDF) Wilson was wounded in action and returned to the United States, recovering at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco before traveling back to Maryland.

After serving in various capacities, Maj. Gen. (MDDF) Wilson served as the commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force for five years before relinquishing command. Although Maj. Gen. (MDDF) Wilson stepped down from his position as commanding general, he will continue to serve as an advisor to the adjutant general of Maryland.

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: http://mddf.maryland.gov.

Maryland Defense Force Band Salutes Our National Pastime

By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
25 July 2011

On July 31, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Band will salute our National Pastime with a concert featuring the music of baseball. This free concert will be held at the Lurman Woodland Theatre which is located on the grounds of Catonsville High School in Baltimore County, Maryland. The high school is located at the intersection of South Rolling Road and Bloomsbury Avenue. Audience members can bring lawn chairs for seating and are encouraged to wear their favorite baseball hat and jersey! Directions can be found at http://www.lurman.com/directions.aspx

In addition to “Take me out to the Ballgame”, the band will perform the “National Game” by John Philip Sousa, music from “The Natural” by Randy Newman, and “The Baseball Game” from “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.” The band will also perform “Casey at The Bat,” “Centerfield” (Put Me In Coach), along with other musical selections. Guest performers will include singers Nicholas Houhoulis and Joy Greene along with Baltimore Rock and Roll artist Bobby B. In addition, the concert will feature The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show featuring Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler doing the famous “Who’s On First?”

The Maryland Defense Force Band is a 35 piece uniformed organization of volunteers which represents and provides musical support for the Maryland Defense Force and provides supplemental professional musical support to the Maryland Military Department. The band is under the direction of Maj. (MDDF) Jari Villanueva. The Band website is http://mddf.maryland.gov/band/. For band and concert information Maj. (MDDF) Villanueva can be reached at (443) 801-5274.

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: mddf.maryland.gov.

Maryland Defense Force Hosts Change of Command Ceremony

By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
19 July 2011

On August 2, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) will host a Change of Command ceremony at the Pikesville Military Reservation. At the ceremony Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Courtney B. Wilson will formally relinquish command of the Maryland Defense Force to Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm. Brig. Gen. Wilson has served as the Maryland Defense Force commander since 2006. Brig. Gen. Kelm most recently served as the commander of the Maryland Defense Force’s 121st Engineer Regiment. He was officially promoted to commander of the Maryland Defense Force on July 1, 2011 by Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins, the Adjutant General of Maryland.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Wilson served in the U.S. Army, doing a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1971. Assigned to an infantry reconnaissance platoon, he was heavily engaged in the border regions in and around the Da Nang Vital Area and the Quang Nam region. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Wilson was wounded in action and returned to the United States, recovering at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco before traveling back to Maryland.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Wilson is currently the Executive Director of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. He is the former President of the Greater Baltimore History Alliance, and has served on many local, regional, and national boards, to include the Maryland Military Historical Society, Star Spangled Banner Flag House, The President's Council on National Parks, and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Courtney B. Wilson is the recipient of a number of U.S. Military, State of Maryland, and civilian decorations, awards and citations. These awards include the Purple Heart, the Silver Star and the Combat Infantry Badge.

He joined the Maryland Defense Force in 2004 as a member of the History Section, Civil-Military Affairs, and was appointed Special Projects Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff, and later Chief of Staff. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Wilson was appointed Commanding General on September 5, 2006, and upon relinquishing command, continues to support the Maryland Defense Force as an advisor to the Adjutant General of Maryland.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm is a seasoned member of the military with more than 30 years of experience in facility engineering. He is a registered professional engineer and has a strong background in strategic planning. He is also a member of the Acquisition Professional Community and a warranted contracting officer with unlimited contract authority. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Purdue University. He is also a graduate of the United States Naval War College.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm's career began in the U.S. Navy and spanned 26 years until his retirement in 2003. While on active duty, he served in the Civil Engineer Corps of the United States Navy. His assignments included public works officer/officer in charge of construction at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, Chief of Staff for the Second Naval Construction Brigade in Little Creek, Va., Commander of the 20th Naval Construction Regiment, and Commanding Officer of the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm joined the Maryland Defense Force in 2006 and was assigned as the commander of the newly established Engineer Corps, now designated the 121st Engineer Regiment.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm's military awards include the Legion of Merit with one gold star, the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars and the Navy Commendation Medal with one silver star. He is also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, the Naval Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Fleet Marine Insignia, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal, among others.

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: http://mddf.maryland.gov.

MDDF Band to Perform at Seventh Annual HCC Red, White, and Blue Summer Concert Series

By 1LT(MD) Daniel Holt
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
17 Jun 2011

The Maryland Defense Force Band, directed by Maj. Jari Villanueva, will perform at the seventh annual Hagerstown Community College Red, White, and Blue Summer Concert Series on Sunday, June 26, 2011, at 4:30 p.m.

To read the full article at herald-mail.com, please click here.

For more information about the Seventh Annual Hagerstown Community College Red, White and Blue Summer Concert Series, please call 301-790-2800, ext. 262, or click here.

For more information about the Maryland Defense Force Band, please click here.

The Adjutant General Announces New Commander of All-Volunteer Maryland Defense Force

BALTIMORE, MD (June 2, 2011) - Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins, the adjutant general of Maryland today announced the appointment of Col. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm as the Commander of the all volunteer Maryland Defense Force and replaces Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Courtney Wilson. The appointment of the position is effective July 1, 2011, and Col. (MDDF) Kelm will be promoted to brigadier general effective with his appointment. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Wilson will continue to support the MDDF as an advisor to Maj. Gen. Adkins. The official change of command and promotion ceremony will take place at a later date.

"I am honored to appoint Col. Kelm as the Commander of the Maryland Defense Force," said General Adkins. "Colonel Kelm is a seasoned member of the military with more than 30 years of experience in facility engineering. He is a registered professional engineer and has a strong background in strategic planning and he is a member of Acquisition Professional Community and warranted contracting officer with unlimited contract authority. I would also like to thank General Wilson for his dedication and his leadership to the MDDF and I welcome him in his new role."

Kelm's career began in the U.S. Navy and spanned 26 years until his retirement in 2003. While on active duty, he served in the Civil Engineer Corps of the United States Navy. His assignments included public works officer/officer in charge of construction at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., special assistant to the assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, chief of staff for the Second Naval Construction Brigade in Little Creek, Va., and commander of the 20th Naval Construction Regiment and Commanding Officer Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Miss. He joined the Maryland Defense Force in 2006 and was assigned as the commander of the newly established Engineer Corps. Kelm's military awards include the Legion of Merit with one gold star, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Navy Commendation Medal with silver star, Navy Achievement Medal, Naval Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars, and Fleet Marine Force insignia, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal among others. Kelm holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University and a master's degree in civil engineering from Purdue University. He is also a graduate of the United States Naval War College.

The Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer, uniformed agency of the Maryland Military Department, authorized by Maryland law, with a mission to provide competent professional and technical support to the Maryland National Guard and state civil agencies as ordered by the governor and the adjutant general.

The Maryland Military Department is comprised of the Maryland Army and Air National Guard, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the Maryland Defense Force. Since 9/11 more than 9,900 citizen-soldiers and airmen have been called to serve on active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Hurricane Katrina recover effort. The Military Department employs more than 7,300 full-time and traditional Guard members and civilian State employees, contributing more than $307 million annually to Maryland's economy.

For More Information Contact:
Lt. Col. Charles Kohler
Maryland National Guard Public Affairs Office
Phone: 443-250-7242

Maryland Defense Force Cavalry Troop A to participate in 136th Preakness Stakes

By 1LT(MD) Daniel Holt
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
10 May 2011

The Maryland Defense Force Cavalry Troop A will participate in the opening ceremonies of the running of the 136th Preakness Stakes on May 21, 2011 at the Pimlico Racetrack. Troop A will escort the colors as presented by the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing Honor Guard from Fort Meade.

After an impressive performance at Laurel Park for Military Appreciation Day last November, the Maryland Racing Commission invited Troop A to participate in this year’s Preakness Stakes. The mounted escort detail will be lead by Deputy Commander Capt. Cindy Minken on “Patriot’s Pride,” Staff Sgt. Linda Losey on “Rocky,” Sgt. Tallulah Pollard on “Image,” and Sgt. Thomas Kiefer on “Johnny Cash.” Supporting the mounted detail will be Troopers 1st Sgt. Matthew Shertzer and Master Sgt. Steve Wojciechowski.

The Maryland Defense Force is the state’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the Maryland Defense Force consists of nearly 450 personnel who provide medical, engineering, chaplain, legal, finance, and field support services, as well as perform ceremonial services, for the State of Maryland. For more information, please visit http://mddf.maryland.gov.

Maryland Defense Force Supports funeral of Governor William Donald Schaefer

By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
27 April 2011

Elements of the Maryland Defense Force participated in the funeral services for former Governor William Donald Schaefer. On Monday April 25, 2011 the Maryland Defense Force Commander, Brig. Gen. (MD) Courtney Wilson served as the escort for the William Donald Schaefer “Farewell Tour” through Baltimore City. Greeting the casket where it lay in state in Annapolis, Gen. Wilson accompanied dignitaries in the motorcade to Baltimore visiting many of the former Governor’s favorite spots eventually ending at City Hall where his body lay in state for 24 hours.

On Wednesday April 27, 2011 The Maryland Defense Force Cavalry Troop A provided a riderless horse detail which was led by Cpl. Thomas Kiefer and escorted by Troop A commander Capt. Cindy Minken. This detail marched in the funeral procession from Baltimore City Hall to Old St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Supporting the riderless horse detail was Master Sgt. Steven Wojciechowski and Sgt. Tallulah Pollard. The horse, “Cozzi’s Magic” was prepped by Mrs. Karen Roop, wife of Capt. David Roop.

A Maryland Defense Force band detail played with the Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums and marched in the funeral procession following the riderless horse. The band detail was led by Chief Warrant Officer Arnold Bundy. Other band members included Maj. John Forberger and Maj. Brett Schaffer.

At Old St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where the funeral was held the Maryland Defense Force provided fourteen military ushers and escorts under the direction of Capt. Bryan Fischer and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Scott. The escort detail helped with access and led scores of dignitaries to their assigned seats. Officers serving as escorts included Col. George Rich, Lt. Col. Amato Mongeluzzo, Lt. Col. Greg Barnhill, Maj. Karl Katterjohn, Capt. Michael Behringer and Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Insley. Enlisted personnel serving as escorts included 1st Sgt. William Finch, Master Sgt. Matthew Shertzer, Master Sgt. Steven Wojciechowski, Master Sgt. Gary Miconi, Staff Sgt. Brandt Eppler and Sgt. Tallulah Pollard

After the funeral service the Maryland Defense Force riderless horse detail participated in Governor Schaefer’s final procession. The detail followed Governor Schaefer’s hearse from the Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens cemetery front gate to his interment site. Capt. Fischer remarked that he was “honored to participate in the final tribute to a true Maryland legend.”

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: http://mddf.maryland.gov/.

WJZ Reports on the Maryland Defense Force

WJZ news attended the annual Maryland Defense Force muster on 2011-03-26 and reported on it. Read more here.

121st Engineer Regiment formed at Maryland Defense Force Annual Muster

By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
26 March 2011

The Engineer Corps of the Maryland Defense Force was re-designated as the 121st Engineer Regiment at the unit’s Annual Muster on March 26, 2011. Several visitors were in attendance including the Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins, Adjutant General of Maryland, Brig. Gen. Peter C. Hinz, Brig. Gen. Annette M. Deener, Maryland Delegate Jon S. Cardin and Baltimore County Councilwoman Vicki Almond. The new regimental colors were presented to the regimental commander Col. (MD) Brian Kelm by Brig. Gen. (MD) Courtney B. Wilson, the commanding general. Col. (MD) Kelm remarked that leading the newly formed regiment is an “honor and a privilege.”

After the completion of the formal program and highlights from the Maryland Defense Force band, various units conducted training exercises that were observed by the visiting public. Demonstrations and exhibits on medical, chaplain, communications, and military support services were held on the drill floor. The Maryland Defense Force Mounted Cavalry Unit “Troop A” also performed a special sabre demonstration on the Pikesville Military Reservation grounds.

Brig. Gen. (MD) Courtney B. Wilson was pleased that, “The dedication and professionalism of the Maryland Defense Force and its many components was exhibited for the citizens we voluntarily serve.”

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: http://mddf.maryland.gov/.

2011 Annual Muster of the Maryland Defense Force

The Commander Maryland Defense Force
Brigadier General (MD) Courtney B. Wilson
cordially invites you to attend the

Morning Assembly of the 2011 Annual Muster of the Maryland Defense Force

Saturday the Twenty-Sixth of March, 2011
0900-1100 hours
Pikesville Military Reservation
610 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, Maryland

Music by the Maryland Defense Force Band
Brief Remarks, Demonstrations and Displays

R.S.V.P. LTC (MD) Sierra Braiterman
Duty Uniform or Business Casual
Seating is limited

Vacancy announcement for position of commanding general, Maryland Defense Force

BG (MD) Courtney Wilson, Commanding General, MDDF, has announced his intention to relinquish command of the MDDF upon the appointment and qualification for office of his successor.

Click here for more details.

Maryland Defense Force Supports 2011 Gubernatorial Inauguration

By CPT(MD) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
19 Jan 2011

ANNAPOLIS - Nearly fifty members of the Maryland Defense Force served on state active duty in support of the inauguration of Governor Martin O’Malley and Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown. Maryland Defense Force personnel served as military ushers and escorts for dignitaries and stood guard as ceremonial sentries of the State Capitol building. MDDF personnel also set-up and operated an Emergency First Aid Station and staffed the temporary Joint Operations Center located in the Old Senate Chamber of the State Capitol.

A procession of dignitaries and their escorts was led by Brig. Gen. (MD) Courtney B. Wilson from Government House (the Maryland Governor’s Mansion) to the State Capitol for the formal swearing in of Governor O’Malley and Lieutenant Governor Brown. This procession included military escorts from the Maryland Defense Force and the Maryland National Guard.

Standing guard of the State Capitol doors was a ceremonial military sentry detail led by Sgt. Maj. (MD) Ronald Scott. Inside the State Capitol a temporary Joint Operations Center was activated for the inauguration. Col. (MD) Bruno Conticello worked with representatives from various state and local agencies to monitor and coordinate a response to any potential threats or important emergencies. The Joint Operations Center played an important role in ensuring the safety and security of the inauguration participants and the attending public.

At the Maryland Legislative Services building a First Aid Station was set-up by Maryland Defense Force personnel from the 10th Medical Regiment. This Emergency Medical station was led by Lt. Col. (MD) Walter Hettinger and staffed by five personnel with a mix of medical backgrounds and specialties. Fortunately there were no incidents or health concerns that required medical attention.

At the conclusion of a long day, Maryland Defense Force personnel felt extremely proud to have played an important role in the inauguration of their Commander in Chief, Governor Martin O’Malley and the inauguration of Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown.

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: http://mddf.maryland.gov