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.
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