MDSGA Selects New Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Edward L. Salas Memorial Enlisted Soldier of the Year

By CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
30 December, 2013

The Maryland State Guard Association (MDSGA) has recently selected their new Enlisted Soldier of the Year named in honor of former Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Edward L. Salas who passed away in 2011. At the recent MDSGA Holiday Ball, Sgt. (MDDF) Karen Holmes was selected to receive this prestigious award and replace the reigning 2011 award winner, Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Paul Swenson. The award is given by the MDSGA upon the recommendation of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Council.

Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Swenson, the outgoing award winner was selected in December 2011 for his selfless service and outstanding contributions to the MDDF. Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Swenson is a founding member of the MDDF Band where he plays the French Horn, as well as supporting the MDDF Band Drumline on bass drum. In addition, Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Swenson served as the lead developer of the refreshed MDDF web presence, which he continues to support on an as needed basis. He was also an early member of the MDDF Rapid Action Team. Staff Sgt. (MDDF) Swenson is also the recipient of the MDDF Achievement Medal.

In the civilian world, Swenson is a lead systems engineer working onsite at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland supporting the upcoming LADEE lunar mission launching in August, 2013. He also plays Alto Horn with the Federal City Brass Band (a Civil War reenactor band), and is an avid skier. MDDF Band commander, Maj. (MDDF) Jari Villanueva recently commented that “Staff. Sgt. Swenson has been invaluable to the success of the MDDF and the band in particular.”

Sgt. (MDDF) Karen Holmes, the incoming award winner was selected for her dedication, professionalism and tireless commitment to the MDDF. Sgt. (MDDF) Holmes currently serves as the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) NCO as well as the administrative coordinator for the MDDF Honor Guard Detachment. Capt. (MDDF) Darrell Hervey, the MWR officer stated that “Sgt. (MDDF) Holmes has gone the extra mile to support the well being of MDDF personnel and is very deserving of this honor.”

In her civilian career, Sgt. (MDDF) Holmes is a federal government safety officer and active volunteer. She works with the American Red Cross for the National Capital Region. Working with the Red Cross, she is part of the Disaster Action Team and oversees MASS Care for the Prince George’s County chapter. She has also served in the Medical Reserve Corps and as a volunteer for the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission Park Police.

Col. (MDDF) Michael Barrett, president of the MDSGA said that, “The MDDF is blessed to have a strong NCO corps that serves as the backbone of our state reserve component.” “It is an honor for the MDSGA to support the MDDF and recognize these outstanding individuals.”

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 Supports U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign

By CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
26 December 2013

Starting in September of 2012, members of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Alpha Company worked with other organizations and military units to collect toys for needy children in Washington County, Maryland. The U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots campaign is typically spearheaded by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve but Washington County does not host any active or reserve U.S. Marine Corps units. Working with military and civilian partners, the MDDF helped to fill the void and ensure that hundreds of needy children received toys for Christmas.

MDDF Warrant Officer James Mills served as the project officer for the MDDF and coordinated efforts with the Antietam Marine Corps League, the Maryland National Guard (MDNG), the Salvation Army and civilian volunteers. More than 500 toys were collected at the MDNG Armory in Hagerstown, Maryland by the MDDF’s Alpha Company, the MDNG 581st Troop command, the MDNG Troop C 158th Cavalry, the MDNG 29th MP Company and MDNG Family Support personnel. The toys were combined with collections from other sites and brought to a temporary Antietam Marine Corps League “distribution center” at the Long Meadow Shopping Center in Hagerstown in mid-December. More than 10,000 toys were collected and brought to the distribution center with the help of Alpha Company.

The Salvation Army Toy Shop combined the toys with boxes of food and turkeys that were distributed between December 20th and December 22nd to the needy families. Retired Marines and sailors personally delivered toys to families that were unable to come to the distribution center. In total, more than 1100 families were served which included more than 2600 kids. Every child received at least nine toys.

Warrant Officer (MDDF) James Mills remarked, “I am so happy that we were able to bring some joy to thousands of Maryland kids this holiday season.” Maj. (MDDF) Donald Cutsail who also participated commented, “I was really proud of what we were able to accomplish and I think we can have an even bigger impact next year.” Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the MDDF commander concluded, “The Maryland Defense Force through acts large and small is proactively supporting communities throughout this great state. I am so proud that Alpha Company saw a local need and stepped-up to the plate.”

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

MDDF Mobilized to Support Maryland Response to Hurricane Sandy

By CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
3 November, 2012

Elements of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) were activated to support the coordinated State of Maryland response to Hurricane Sandy. These elements were operating under the direction of mission commander Col. (MDDF) James F. Coleman who was supporting the Maryland Military Department’s Joint Force Headquarters as Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil and Military Operations on the Joint Staff. Col. (MDDF) Coleman operated out of Camp Fretterd Military Reservation along with other Joint Staff personnel and the MDDF support team.

In anticipation of the storm, MDDF personnel were posted at Camp Fretterd on October 27 and began support operations at 12:00 noon. While serving at Camp Fretterd, various MDDF personnel staffed the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and the Joint Operations Center (JOC) on a twenty-four hour rotation. MDDF personnel were on site for five calendar days and concluded their support mission on October 31. At the Pikesville Military Reservation, the MDDF Defense Operations Center (DOC) was activated on October 28 for a four day period. The DOC was staffed on a twenty-four hour rotation by MDDF personnel under the operational command of Col. (MDDF) Amato Mongelluzzo. The MDDF DOC helped to liaise with the JOC and coordinate the field operations of the various MDDF units across the state.

MDDF assets were also deployed and prepositioned across the state in preparation for the hurricane’s impact. The MDDF 121st Engineer Regiment deployed a Disaster Assessment Team (DAT) to Salisbury on October, 28 and other MDDF personnel were assigned to Joint Task Force Maryland in Adelphi. In order to support the needs of county emergency operations centers, MDDF County Liaison Teams (CoLT) were posted with various county emergency management teams across the state. In addition, a medical team from the MDDF 10th Medical Regiment was also deployed to Salisbury in support of a Maryland National Guard (MDNG) medical transportation team.

At the Pikesville Military Reservation a second Disaster Assessment Team from the 121st Engineer Regiment was prepositioned for operational activation. A third Disaster Assessment Team was on standby as well as four additional medical teams from the 10th Medical Regiment. In total, nearly 70 MDDF personnel supported the operation and contributed 2430 man hours in support of the State of Maryland. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the Commander of the MDDF stated, “We were in place and ready to provide whatever support we could to our fellow citizens.” “Although we dodged a major bullet, our personnel answered the call and served with pride and professionalism.”

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 Provides Support for 100th Anniversary Camporee

By MAJ (MDDF) Joseph P. Cirone
Deputy Task Force Commander
October 8, 2012

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) provided vital medical, communications and general support to the 100th anniversary camporee and celebration of Scouting in the Baltimore, Md. area.

Sixty-six volunteer MDDF personnel temporarily attached to Task Force Scout (TFS), successfully executed “Operation Rock the Ridge,” Oct. 5 – 7, at the Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Md.

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing Scouts, ages 7 to 21, from Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey were among the 3,500 male and female Scouts and 100 adult leaders that camped in tents during the two-night, three-day long Rock the Ridge event.

Hundreds of additional Scouts and their leaders made a day trip to join the celebration and enjoy the many age-appropriate and varied fun and educational activities throughout Saturday.

Saturday’s activities began with an opening ceremony, featuring the MDDF Band and capped off by a Battle of the Bands; a concert; exhilarating laser light show, spectacular fireworks display and the playing of Echo Taps, by six Scouts spread throughout the rolling hills of the park’s landscape and led by MDDF’s renowned Band leader, MAJ (MDDF) Jari Villanueva.

Scouts participated in sports; knot-tying; bb gun and archery target shooting; architectural, computer-aided design and robotics; search and rescue training; model rocketry; geocaching; cardboard boat races; physical fitness and signaling activities.

They viewed and interacted with Baltimore County Police Helicopter and SWAT vehicle displays and personnel; an Indian Village; MDDF Cavalry Troop personnel, Horses and a Saber Demonstration; and Maryland National Guard personnel and an interactive display.

“The MDDF horse Soldiers enthralled the Scouts with their precision riding capabilities,” said Jim Krempel, Boy Scouts of America Baltimore Area Council Assistant Commissioner for Special Events.

Most of all, the Scouts learned and had fun, while Scouting adult and MDDF volunteer personnel ensured their safety and well-being.

Krempel reported, “The Scouts drew on the extensive capabilities of the Maryland Defense Force.”

MDDF’s TFS provided 24-hour emergency medical support from three Aid Stations and two All-Terrain Vehicles, utilizing physicians, nurses, allied health and emergency medical services (EMS) professionals, many of whom are prominent in their fields, with years of training, education and experience; all of whom are volunteers.

Other MDDF personnel provided safety patrols around the 33-acre site and around-the-clock radio communications and command post operations, to ensure proper coordination with Scout event leaders and the Baltimore County Police Department; and the necessary command and control of MDDF personnel and their operations.

MDDF personnel from various MDDF units were temporarily detached from their units; assigned to TFS and operating as an effective team, ensured the professional and timely medical treatment of 88 Scouters for various medical emergency situations, including one that required movement to a hospital by the local EMS ambulance provider.

An untold number of injuries and other emergency situations were prevented by MDDF personnel working in concert with Scout personnel to eliminate or mitigate potential hazards or unsafe practices that may be present at a large event attended by youth.

During the operation, MDDF TFS personnel volunteered a total of 839 man-hours. Many additional hours were volunteered by MDDF personnel during the operation’s planning, which began two years earlier.

“The Rock the Ridge Centennial Anniversary of Boy Scouting in Central Maryland cemented an enduring partnership between the Baltimore Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, and the Maryland Defense Force,” Krempel 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: www.mddf.maryland.gov.

Maryland Defense Force Lt. Col. Gregory H. Barnhill Passes Away

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/obituaries/bs-md-ob-gregory-barnhill-20120917,0,1109633.story

Maryland Defense Force Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Joseph A. M. Lettre Passes Away

Published in Baltimore Sun on August 2, 2012
BG(MDDF) Joseph Albert Lettre (he went by Al) retired from the Army Reserve as a Colonel on 17 July 1983 and was appointed the Maryland State Guard (later called the Maryland Defense Force)in 1984 and assigned as the G-5. He then served as G-1. In 1988 he was appointed Commander, 1st Brigade, MDDF and promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. He was transferred to the MDDF Retired List on 21 April 1998.

He served on Active Duty in WWII from 1943 to 1946 in enlisted status and served overseas for 19 months in the North Pacific. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserve in February 1950 in the Quartermaster Corps. He was recalled to Active Duty for the Korean War from 1950 to 1952.

For the last 12 years of BG Lettre's Ready Reserve duty he served in various field grade augmentee positions at the Quartermaster School and Ft Lee, VA. His last position following promotion to Colonel was as Deputy Commander (MOBDES) of the Quartermaster Brigade. He was appointed Distinguished Member of the Quartermaster Corps.

BG Lettre graduated from the University of Maryland in 1948 with a BS in Business and Management and from Johns Hopkins University in 1959 with a MA in teaching social studies. He received a Doctor of Philosophy in business administration from the National College of Arts and Sciences in 1981.

He completed the Associate QM Officer Advanced Course in 1955, the Associate Adjutant General Officer Advanced Course in 1958, and the Army Command and General Staff College in 1963.
His awards and decorations include: The Army Meritorious Service Medal, Maryland Distinguished Service Cross, Maryland Meritorious Service Medal, Maryland Commendation Medal, The Maryland State Service Ribbon.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/baltimoresun/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-lettr&pid=158897705&fhid=9931#fbLoggedOut

http://www.elinefuneralhome.com/obituary.aspx?MemberId=108842&MName=Joseph A. M. Lettre

Maryland Defense Force Assists “At Risk” Baltimore City Residents During Heat Wave

http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/the-maryland-defense-force-delivers-water-and-food-to-people-without-power#ixzz1zz3akn1c 

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-baltimore-high-temperatures-assistance-20120707,0,3678237.story

MDDF Major Celebrates 150 Years of America's Bugle Call on CBS

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7413824n

MDDF Mobilizes to Support Baltimore’s 2012 Star-Spangled Sailabration

By CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
June 25, 2012

From June 13 to June 19 the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) supported the commemoration of the bicentennial of The Star-Spangled Banner and the War of 1812 in Baltimore, Maryland. This important national event helped to kick-off a three year series of activities that are designed to commemorate the writing of our National Anthem and our nation’s struggle for independence. Although a number of government agencies and volunteer organizations played critical roles in the event’s success, Sailabration was principally spearheaded by the U.S. Navy and the City of Baltimore.

The Sailabration festivities brought an estimated 500,000 visitors to Baltimore City to participate in the celebration. In addition, several thousand sailors and Marines visited Baltimore traveling from home ports around the world. Many of the sailors and Marines arrived on the more than 40 ships that paraded up the Chesapeake Bay and docked in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for the special commemoration. Planning for the MDDF participation in the Sailabration event was conducted by Col. (MDDF) David Thaler.

During the opening ceremony, MDDF military escorts and ushers under the leadership of Col. David Thaler (MDDF) and Command Sgt. Maj. (MDDF) Ronald Scott helped to ensure that the dignitaries and the press were properly seated. Dignitaries in attendance included Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Rear Adm. Gregory M. Nosal and Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm. Music was provided by the U.S. Navy Band.

MDDF trusted agents under the leadership of Col. (MDDF) Walter Coryell worked to ensure that civilian visitors were safely transported to Locust Point where many of the “grey hull ships” were docked. At least one MDDF trusted agent was posted on each visitor shuttle bus between the Baltimore Ravens M&T Bank Stadium and the Locust Point harbor site. Over the six day celebration the trusted agents helped to ensure the safety of over 8,000 visitors.

The MDDF 10th Medical Regiment under the leadership of Col. (MDDF) Walter Hettinger erected and operated two medical tents during Sailabration. A Mobile Medical tent was located at the Baltimore Inner Harbor and another was located at Ft. McHenry. The 10th Medical Regiment was augmented by the MDDF Linguistics Unit which was under the leadership of Col. (MDDF) Stanley Shapiro and Lt. Col. (MDDF) Sierra Braiterman. The Linguistics Unit provided skilled interpreters for international visitors that were not native English speakers. Over the course of the six day event the 10th Medical Regiment successfully treated 103 patients for an assortment of medical issues.

In order to support MDDF field units and the Baltimore City and U.S. Navy operations centers, a MDDF operations center was established in the Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore. The MDDF operations center was located at the Polish National Alliance headquarters and executed its mission under Col. (MDDF) Raymond Bocelli. Supporting the Sailabration communications network was the MDDF Communications Unit under the direction of Col. (MDDF) Henry Clark. In addition, a recruiting booth for the MDDF was coordinated by Capt. (MDDF) Bryan Fischer.

In supporting the Sailabration mission, MDDF personnel contributed over 4,400 man hours to the success of this event. Nearly 200 MDDF personnel participated in Sailabration which helped to save the U.S. Navy, the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore well over $250,000. At the conclusion of Sailabration MDDF Commander Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm commented that he “could not be more proud of my MDDF soldiers as they have completely exceeded my expectations.”

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

MDDF Command Staff Colonel Receives Meritorious Service Award

By CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
May 20, 2012

On June 14, 2012 Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) Col. David S. Thaler will receive the Meritorious Service Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Col. (MDDF) Thaler is a member of the 121st Engineer Regiment of the Maryland Defense Force and President of D.S. Thaler & Associates, Inc. D.S. Thaler & Associates is a civil and environmental engineering, surveying, landscape architecture and land planning firm that was founded by Col. (MDDF) Thaler over 35 years ago.

As a practitioner, he has designed hundreds of residential, commercial and industrial land development projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic. His firm has created many innovative designs and he invented the “Super Silt Fence” technique which has become an international standard. Col. (MDDF) Thaler’s specialty is managing large, difficult and environmentally complex projects.

Thaler has been an advocate and educator for the land use industry for several years. He has published more than 200 articles and four books on engineering and development topics. In addition, Col. (MDDF) Thaler previously taught storm water engineering at Lehigh University. Most recently he taught at the University of Maryland School of Architecture and at the Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business. Currently, he presents a program entitled “Thaler on Land Use” at the University of Baltimore School of Law where he serves as a Visiting Scholar.

Col. (MDDF) Thaler has also been very involved in civic affairs. He is a past president of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers and was the founding president of the Land Development Council of Maryland. Thaler is a fellow of both the National Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Professional Engineers. He is also the recipient of many other honors and lifetime achievement awards.

As an engineer within the MDDF, Col. Thaler formed a partnership between the MDDF and the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers. This initiative is called the Maryland Engineering Emergency Response Team. It provides volunteer professional engineering services to support the Maryland National Guard in times of emergency.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF commented that “Col. Thaler is special in that he is both very technically proficient and he knows how to lead. He is a wonderful asset to the MDDF.“

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 Participates in Operation STAT Disaster Drill

By COL (MDDF) H. Wayne Nelson, LTC (MDDF) Elizabeth Austin
April 20, 2012

On April 20, 2012 Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel worked side by side with Maryland National Guard ambulance units, local police units, emergency medical technicians, nurses, nursing students, the Maryland State Funeral Directors Association disaster response team and public health professionals in response to a simulated earthquake at Towson University. This field training exercise called Operation STAT was a mass casualty calamity drill designed to practice a coordinated agency response and to introduce Towson University nursing students to disaster triage.

Operation STAT is in its fourth year and it gave MDDF personnel the opportunity to work beside community partners to enhance interagency cooperation, planning, command and control in a disaster situation. The MDDF 10th Medical Regiment contributed 35 personnel and provided operational leadership. There were 37 MDDF personnel from other units including the Finance Corps, Judge Advocate Corps, the Military Support Unit and the Operations and Training Unit. Towson University provided 546 student “victims” who were treated during the exercise.

Many of the student victims were moulaged with fake blood, bruises, broken bones, impalements and abrasions. This created a sense of realism for the exercise which lasted just under four hours. The MDDF 10th Medical Regiment provided medical, nursing and mental health personnel on site to coach student nurses in the treatment of the injured. The 10th Medical Regiment commander, Col. (MDDF) Walter Hettinger noted that, “It is a nice refresher course for immediate trauma stabilization.”

Other MDDF units provided operational support for the exercise through treatment area set-up, the tracking of supplies, the tracking of patients, radio communication, incident command support and public affairs. Lt. Col. Charles Kohler, Public Affairs Officer of the Maryland National Guard enthusiastically commented that “Everybody is learning, everybody!” Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF noted that “the moulage, the expected scenarios and even some unexpected injects were all accomplished in an exemplary manner. Bravo Zulu!”

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 Major Adam Daniel Metz, II Passes Away

Click here for more information.

Maryland Defense Force Participates in OP STAT Field Training Exercise

Click below to read local news coverage of the OP STAT earthquake drill at Towson University.

WJZ - CBS News Channel 13

WMAR - ABC News Channel 2

WBFF - Fox 45 Baltimore

Maryland Defense Force holds Annual Muster

By CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
March 22, 2012

On March 24, 2012 the Maryland Defense Force will hold its Annual Muster at the Pikesville Military Reservation. The Annual Muster is a mandatory all day training activity for all Maryland Defense Force personnel.

Company formation and ceremonies will commence at 9:00 a.m. Vice Adm. Michael H. Miller, the 61st Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy will be the reviewing officer for the ceremonies. The Maryland Defense Force Band will provide music for the occasion. The Pikesville Military Reservation is located at 610 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208.

Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general stated that, “This is a wonderful opportunity for our state military reserve component to sharpen our unit skills so that we can always be ready when needed by the State 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: www.mddf.maryland.gov

MDDF chaplain awarded The Order of Chaplain O’Grady Award

http://www.md.ngb.army.mil/absolutenm/templates/?a=1629&z=11

121st Engineer Regiment Commander Receives Engineer of the Year Award

By CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
February 25, 2012

On February 23, 2012 Dr. Steven A. Arndt, commander of the Maryland Defense Force’s (MDDF) 121st Engineer Regiment received the federal government’s Engineer of the Year Award by the National Society of Professional Engineers. Col. (MDDF) Arndt is a senior technical advisor in the Office of the Nuclear Reactor Regulation at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). He has held that post since 2007 and has more than 30 years of professional experience as a nuclear engineer, the last 24 of which with the federal government.

Col. (MDDF) Arndt has also served as a professor of nuclear engineering which includes a stint at the United States Naval Academy, and was appointed to the Maryland State Board of Engineering by the Governor of Maryland in 2006 and currently serves as the Board’s Vice Chairman. During the Fukushima, Japan nuclear power plant incident Dr. Arndt responded to the NRC Operation Center and supported the Japanese government as well as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan in his role as a severe accident analyst. Col. (MDDF) Arndt continues to support the NRC – Japan lessons learned initiatives and is involved in the screening of recommendations for U.S. nuclear power plants.

“Dr. Steven Arndt is an outstanding professional, who has made substantial contributions to the work of the NRC over many years,” said NRC Chairman Jaczko. “I congratulate him on being named Federal Engineer of the Year, which is a great honor and well-deserved recognition for Dr. Arndt. We are proud that he is part of the NRC staff.” This award is the only one of its kind to solely recognize outstanding engineers employed in the federal government.

When asked about the recognition received on Thursday, February 23, at a ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, Dr. Arndt said, “I’ve devoted my professional life to nuclear engineering and I’ve enjoyed the opportunities to make contributions. I’m honored to receive this award.”

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 Plans Wellness Newsletter Spring Kick-Off

By: CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
February 14, 2012

In April, Capt. (MDDF) Carlos Martinez, a member of the 10th Medical Regiment’s operations and training unit, will roll out a new wellness newsletter for Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel. The aim of this electronic newsletter is to improve the health and wellness of MDDF personnel to ensure that they are “fit for duty,” and “fit for life.” This electronic newsletter will provide tips on diet, nutrition, and the importance of exercise. The newsletter will also promote the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and the principle that a “healthy mind is a healthy body.” Capt. (MDDF) Martinez is uniquely qualified to spearhead this effort.

A native of Panama, Carlos Martinez immigrated to the United States in 1972 and represents the best of America’s immigrant tradition. Understanding the importance of education, Capt. (MDDF) Martinez received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from the University of Maryland University College, has taken social work graduate courses at Virginia Commonwealth University, and is currently enrolled at the Master’s International School of Divinity studying interdisciplinary graduate studies.

As a healthcare and fitness professional Carlos worked for 14 years as a senior recreation specialist at St. Elizabeths Hospital, Dept. of Mental Health, in Washington, DC. In this position he was responsible for managing indoor and outdoor recreational activities for the residential treatment facility. He worked with a special population of refugees from the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Capt. (MDDF) Martinez has worked for 32 years in the field of substance abuse and mental health with a focus on crisis intervention, prevention, education, and family challenges. He has worked across Northern Virginia providing his services to youth, immigrants, and male populations. Capt. (MDDF) Martinez is currently working at the Community Service Board/Alcohol and Drug Services Men’s Day Treatment Facility in Fairfax County Virginia. His achievements were recently recognized by the Fairfax County government and he was given the Outstanding Achievement Award for his exemplary performance. He was specifically noted for the fitness and safety programs he has implemented in his counseling role.

To supplement a very active lifestyle, Capt. (MDDF) Martinez has studied martial arts for 28 years and is a specialist in Tae-Kwon-Do, Jiu-Jitsu, and boxing. In addition, he enjoys playing soccer, cycling, swimming, and jogging. He has also completed several medical certifications and plans to bring all of his health, fitness, and counseling expertise to the new MDDF electronic wellness newsletter. Capt. (MDDF) Martinez shared, “I see service as my patriotic duty and I want to help guarantee that all MDDF personnel are fit to tackle any challenge that comes their way.”

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 Receives Cyber Security Presentation from Brig. Gen. Guy Walsh

By CPT (MDDF) Stephen Rice
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
February 7, 2012

On February 7, 2012 Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel were briefed on cyber security by U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Guy Walsh. Brig. Gen. Walsh is currently detailed at the Guard and Reserve Directorate of the U.S. Cyber Command in Fort Meade, Maryland. In this role, he coordinates reserve component support for the U.S. Cyber Command mission.

Prior to the presentation, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force and Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Fred Smalkin welcomed Brig. Gen. Walsh to the Pikesville Military Reservation. The presentation was coordinated by Maj. (MDDF) Jane Ohlmacher, commander of the Maryland Defense Force Cyber Security Unit.

Gen. Walsh’s presentation included the display of an historical timeline illustrating the proliferation of cyber domain growth over the last twenty years. He also discussed the “Future of Warfare” as well as cyber offense and cyber defense in relation to national security priorities. The presentation concluded with a question and answer session followed by a discussion of the importance of cyber security at the state and local level.

After the presentation, Brig. Gen. Walsh thanked the Maryland Defense Force personnel for their commitment and service to the State of Maryland. He stated “As a former commander of the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Wing I know firsthand of the MDDF’s superb professionalism and performance.” “I thank you for your important service to this state.”

Brig. Gen. Walsh graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1979 and started his career flying the F-4 Phantom. He has commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels during his 31 year career with the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard. Gen. Walsh is rated as a command pilot and has logged 4,200 flight hours in seven different aircraft. He retired in 2010 as a pilot of the A-10 Warthog. His last assignment was commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. Gen. Walsh retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2010.

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.