Saturday, February 25, 2012

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.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

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.