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
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