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/.